Academic Institutions are not Ideology-Free

Submitted by Susan Bradford (United States), Jan 31, 2003 at 10:45

The Constitution of the U.S. guarantees freedom of speech. However, there are limits on that freedom in theory and practice. One's freedom ends when it infringes on the rights of another -- for example, one cannot falsely yell "fire" in a crowded theatre which results in potential death to those caught in the ensuing stampede.

Universities are, in an ideal sense, bastions of knowledge and should support the free exchange of knowledge and ideas. However, this is not the case in practice. Like any organization, there is a political structure in place, and often those in power who support one ideological leaning try to silence those of another ideological leaning. Often academic departments are dependent on outside or government grants, which they receive in part due to their ability to support the objectives of their sponsors. Many universities in America have been deemed liberal and progressive, with colleges, like Hillsadale, which do not receive government money, trying to offer a conservative alternative.

While freedom of speech should be supported in the academic environment of universities, the individuals involved should aim for intelligent, reasoned exchanges, rather than resort to impassioned rhetoric, steeped in prejudice which just fuel polarization, hatred and misunderstandings between people.

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