The Real Diversity

 

By Eldad Yaron

March 1, 2004

 

 

Brooklyn College prides itself for being one of the most ethnically diverse schools in America. But real diversity is measured by more than the number of languages spoken around campus, whether we are black, white, or pink, or even by the fact that students at BC come from all over the world. Real diversity means diversity of opinions. But while American public opinion is evenly split on many issues – and this split is what makes these issues controversial – a question I’ve been recently concerned with is to what degree our faculty is ideologically split on issues.

 

The reason for this concern is that I believe that way too often a professor’s opinion on issues becomes clear and obvious in the classroom. And this is not necessarily appropriate or ethical. I personally prefer a neutral approach to knowledge. There are opinions, there are facts, and there are opinions presented as facts.

 

It is especially disconcerting, not only when professors think that it is perfectly OK to actively voice their bias, but when only one type of bias is all you get to hear. This is precisely what makes me wonder about the above question – is faculty really diverse? Or perhaps certain professors simply like to speak about “diversity.”

 

A “marketplace of ideologies” may sometimes be inconvenient, but the good thing about it is that it keeps a democratic discussion going, granted that free speech is available. The more professors are likely to wholeheartedly agree with their colleagues on everything - separation of religion and state, foreign policy, gay rights, who not to vote for, etc. – the smaller the chance of a fair and balanced education we will likely to receive from them.

 

So, having different opinions on issues is a beautiful thing. But what if one does not have a cohesive opinion on some matter? Is this not what we all go to school for - to learn and be able to form our own opinions? We should, then, take responsibility on our own education, doubt everything, and make sure that our education is indeed fair and balanced. We must be sure that we get to hear diverse viewpoints on things, and that we are not simply there as a platform for professors’ personal ideologies, agendas and political bias.

 

Having fair and balanced education is especially important in a school that belongs to the public. And even more so during election year.

 

Students for Academic Freedom (SAF) - a newly founded organization at Brooklyn College is dedicated to do exactly that. It is an organization that confronts political bias in the classroom and is dedicated to promoting fair education. SAF’s ideology is that the classroom is not a political party and that you can’t get real education if you only hear half the story (no matter how expensive your tuition is).

 

As the founder and President of the BC chapter for the national organization, I would like to take the opportunity to explain here exactly what this organization is about, and what it is not.

 

SAF is a NON PARTISAN organization. As to us, diversity is more than just how you look, our members are not expected to belong to any specific group or to have any preferred views -- except caring for fair education.

 

SAF has an attorney on hand that will assist us if necessary, but this does not mean that we’re planning to take anyone to court anytime soon. It shouldn’t be necessary, but you never know.

 

SAF is NOT about silencing anyone or any view, which effectively would mean censorship – because censorship is something this organization wants to confront, not use.

 

SAF believes that there is evidence that political bias in the classroom exists. But indoctrination can be subtle, and bias may manifest itself in different ways that are sometimes hard to quantify. Naturally, political bias will more likely occur in a history class than in a science class. Here are a few examples to think about in regards to where abuses of political bias may appear in the classroom:

 

·          Class discussions and themes – Is more than one view presented?

·          Textbooks, course packets, and class materials – Are they all going in the same direction while dissenting views are nowhere to be found?

·          Term paper topics - Imagine being told to write a paper explaining that slavery never occurred in the United States or just how brilliant Marxism is. Slanted? A bit.

·          Guest speakers and extra credit options – We all like extra freebies, but is your professor manipulating you by “suggesting” you attend specific events with biased statements?

·          Political grading – Is your paper downgraded not based on its quality, but on your opinions with which the professor does not agree?

·          Your professor’s sense of humor - Occasional little sarcastic jokes or remarks that appear innocent but can sometimes make students who see things differently feel very uncomfortable and afraid to say so.

 

We all have, and SHOULD have our opinions and our bias - and professors are no exceptions. Still, SAF believes that our classes should encourage us to think, to evaluate both sides of the story. And when discussing an issue, both sides of things should be presented, because there always are at least two ways to look at something, especially a controversial topic. This would be a responsible way to educate students. Influencing them into automatically "buying" the professors' opinion on issues is not.  

 

SAF will log individual cases where BC students encountered a form of a political bias abuse by a professor. We will evaluate the situations and in some cases we will confront them. This means - taking them to higher ups, department Chairs, and above it if necessary, and yes, we might take it to the media.

 

Aside from dealing with political bias in the classroom on a case-to-case basis, SAF will introduce its Academic Bill of Rights to the school in efforts to persuade the school administration to adopt it.

 

The response so far has been extremely encouraging. I strongly believe that the fact that there is great interest in such an organization in Brooklyn College shows that there is a problem and that this problem is recognized and will be dealt with.

 

If you encountered a case of what you think is an abuse of political bias in the classroom, have any questions, or would like to join SAF, please email us at saf4bc@yahoo.com.