OUR VIEW | Editorial

Marc Becker, associate professor of history, has been listed in author David Horowitz's new book "The Professors" as one of the 101 most "dangerous" academics in the country (See story, Page 1). Not surprisingly, Horowitz has been lambasted by many in the University community for attacking Becker as well as for the purpose of his book in general.

First, it is pertinent to address Becker's inclusion in the book, of which the reasoning is sketchy at best. The chapter on Becker is devoid of any anecdotal evidence of attempts to indoctrinate students.

Although on his Web site Becker admits to political views that place him on the far left of the ideological spectrum, these views certainly don't mark him as dangerous. Rather, it is part of an informed citizenry to be involved in political affairs. We encourage all professors and students to become involved at the level Becker is, and it's silly for Horowitz to classify Becker as "dangerous" simply because of the groups in which he's involved.

In addition, Horowitz admitted he didn't interview any of Becker's former or current students and claimed he didn't need to. Without any anecdotal evidence of attempts by Becker to force his political beliefs onto students, it's clear that Becker's inclusion in the book was completely unwarranted.

Secondly, however, to attack Horowitz's motives in writing "The Professors" is to ignore the very real inclination of professors who inject their political or social beliefs into the most inappropriate of classroom discussions. We as an editorial board can offer a laundry list of first-hand examples of professors at Truman who have injected political sermons into the most irrelevant of classes. In addition, to claim that any college student is completely unswayable is erroneous. Those encountering such professors for the first time often are 18- or 19-year-olds fresh out of high school.

The University's faculty handbook notes that professors "are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter that has no relation to their subject."

In certain classes, such as political science, history or ethics classes, political discussions certainly are warranted and often enhance the material. We take issue with professors in fields completely unrelated to the day's political issues who attempt to preach to students about topics that are utterly irrelevant, however.

The faculty handbook itself charges that professors' positions impose "special obligations," specifically instructing them to "exercise appropriate restraint and show respect for the opinions of others." What we advocate is professional self-restraint. Many critics of Horowitz claim that professors should be given a free hand to express their political views in the classroom confines. The problem is that, often, nothing within a professor's expertise qualifies him or her to do so, and furthermore, it's not what he or she was hired for.

Thus, we are adamant in our criticism of Horowitz's decision to include Becker in his book. We also take issue, however, with those who believe that professors should be allowed to freely moralize in the classroom.