CU may host conservative cast of professors

$9 million plan seeks diversity at liberal campus

By Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published May 13, 2008 at 11 p.m.

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Bud Peterson signed on to plan early in his tenure.

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The University of Colorado is considering a $9 million program to bring high-profile political conservatives to teach on the left-leaning Boulder campus.

Critics say it's an idea whose time should never come.

CU officials want to create an endowment for a Visiting Chair in Conservative Thought and Policy.

The program would bring a rotating cast of scholars, historians, politicians and media personalities to a town often ridiculed by the political right as "the People's Republic of Boulder."

The first scholar could be on campus next year for a one- or two-year stint, CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard said. University officials said they hope the fund would yield the $200,000-plus per year necessary to provide a stipend and a staff person.

"A good campus is always trying to find ways to add diversity of thought and scholarship," Hilliard said.

"It's not designed to be a thumb in the eye to anyone's progressive politics."

Names tossed out include Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, conservative columnist George Will and neoconservative pundit William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard.

The most vocal criticism so far is coming from the right.

"Like Margaret Mead among the Samoans, they're planning to study conservatives. That's hilarious," Will told The Wall Street Journal in a story pubished Tuesday.

Conservative activists have long targeted the Boulder campus for its liberal bent and sought to correct it.

CU political science professor emeritus Ed Rozek recently bought an ad in the Daily Camera in which he tallied voter registration records of faculty and administrators.

Rozek's finding: Of 825 faculty members in arts and sciences, business, education, journalism and law, he found only 23 registered Republicans.

Rozek did not break out the number of registered Democrats or independents.

Still, Rozek said he found the idea of an endowed chair in conservative views "humorous" and said it smacks of tokenism.

"What is needed is pluralism of ideas, meaning no political party has a monopoly on any campus," Rozek said. "All views - socialism, communism, democracy - should be discussed."

Rozek said he would prefer 10 visiting scholars from the world's leading institutions of higher learning coming to teach at Boulder every year.

Republican and Regent Tom Lucero said he, too, was disappointed in the narrow focus of the endowed chair.

"Part of what our goal and intent is is to widen the debate," Lucero said.

"The way you widen the debate is by casting the description in much broader terms. It should not come down to a debate of conservative vs. liberal."

Hilliard said the endowed chair is not a token gesture.

He said Chancellor Bud Peterson signed on to the effort - in the works for at least a decade - as soon as he started on the job.

Peterson was at a conference Tuesday and unavailable for comment.

"Conservative thought has been extremely influential in economics and dominated the political landscape for the last 30 years," Hilliard said.

Regent chairwoman and Republican Pat Hayes said she was disappointed by the opposition from other Republicans.

"To do this chair for conservative thought and policy is a great opportunity for the university," she said.

"Why not embrace it and say, 'Congratulations, university. We think you're going the right direction.' "

poppenj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5176

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Comments

May 14, 2008

2:19 a.m.

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Virginian writes:

Thanks for the article on CU's plan to bring in high-profile political conservatives. Even if this is truly a token gesture, the small seed still holds a lot of potential. I am very interested in participating. Even now, I could teach a summer session. If something develops, I will send in a another posting.
May 14, 2008

2:56 a.m.

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xijjmc writes:

Great idea. Ms. Rice would be perfect.
May 14, 2008

6:01 a.m.

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JohnSWren writes:

Does far left plus far right equal fair?

I'm going to suggest this as a topic at the Denver Socrates Cafe this week. If discussing this sort of thing is interesting to you, join us!

We meet each Thursday at 19th & Broadway in downtown Denver. Details and optional RSVP at http://socratescafe.meetup.com/82
May 14, 2008

6:03 a.m.

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socrates writes:

Why should I care if a professor is liberal, conservative or a member of the far more popular group - "neither one"? Teachers are hired to teach - not to preach. 90% of the people in this world wouldn't be considered "conservative enough" by these self proclaimed "conservatives" - just as 90% of the people in the world wouldn't be considered "liberal enough" by liberals.

It's time to get off this stupid partisan bandwagon.
May 14, 2008

8:17 a.m.

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Scott writes:

socrates,

Your logic now, as it was over 2000 years ago, is dead on. The problem is that in the real world college professors no longer teach -- they indoctrinate, hence the issue. If us humans could get the ivory tower navel gazers to go back to teaching instead of indoctrinating, then there would not be any issue.

Scott

p.s. So what does hemlock taste like? ;-)
May 14, 2008

8:18 a.m.

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ColoNative writes:

Socrates - funny name for one making such a bias approach. While you may sit in a fantasy land of ideals, the reality is that every teacher brings a set of preconceptions into the classroom. Your use of statistics brings crerdibility to the statement, "86% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

The reality is this - a conservative in Boulder would be a target for verbal assault in the same manner as Hugh Hefner at Liberty University.
May 14, 2008

8:48 a.m.

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fatheromalley writes:

Liberal? Conservative? Errr.. how about just discussing history and what has worked and not worked.. then go with what has worked for the most amount of people for the most amount of time.. Capitalism + Individual Freedom = Prosperity, Medical Advances and raising the average person's chances for personal success.

Socialism weakens the very people it claims to help.. like a doctor prescribing addictive drugs to a Hypochondriac..

Not a good mix..

Conservative "chair"? Oh please! Instead how about changing the hiring practices of CU to mandate an "affirmative action campaign" in order to better guarantee a diversification of opinion.

You know, like we do with the diversity or races being guaranteed "fair and equal" opportunities within the university construct?

No? Liberal hypocracy showing it's self involved head again?

I'd rather have a chair teaching capitalism and PERSONAL FREEDOM, myths and truths of:

Ewww.. we can't have that.. what of "the greater good"..

I've got you "greater good".. right here.. see?
May 14, 2008

9:19 a.m.

Suggest removal

CUfan writes:

I am a liberal Democrat, and I love this new endeavor. CU is progressive enough to offer diversity across the board, and I’m proud to live in this community. Those who reject the idea must realize that every professor teaches with an agenda. Let’s face it, the large majority of CU’s faculty is liberal. Whether we like it or not, they teach to their political bias. They can’t help it. It’s a natural instinct to emphasize certain points more than others if they suit a person’s political and personal beliefs. What is wrong with allowing students to hear and learn about all sides of an issue before they take a stand on it? Knowledge is power. We need to empower the leaders of tomorrow. I’m proud of CU, and I support an Endowed Chair in Conservative Thought and Policy.
May 14, 2008

9:27 a.m.

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CUfan writes:

I am a liberal Democrat, and I love this new endeavor. CU is progressive enough to offer diversity across the board, and I’m proud to live in this community. Those who reject the idea must realize that every professor teaches with an agenda. Let’s face it, the large majority of CU’s faculty is liberal. Whether we like it or not, they teach to their political bias. They can’t help it. It’s a natural instinct to emphasize certain points more than others if they suit a person’s political and personal beliefs. What is wrong with allowing students to hear and learn about all sides of an issue before they take a stand on it? Knowledge is power. We need to empower the leaders of tomorrow. I’m proud of CU, and I support an Endowed Chair in Conservative Thought and Policy. I am sending my check today to support this.
May 14, 2008

9:41 a.m.

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JYP3500 writes:

23 conservatives out of 823 faculty members is unacceptable and an outrage. And how many of the 800 liberal faculty members are some variation of Ward Churchill?

More than ever, Mr. Benson & Peterson need to move quickly to eliminate tenure, establish a performance rating system, weed out the incompetence, and encourage students to record & publicize any professor who uses their pulpit for liberal ranting (vs. teaching math).

The goal should be 411.5 conservatives and 411.5 liberals. Now that’s fair & balanced.
May 14, 2008

11:32 a.m.

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280Pagoda writes:

What? Diversity of thought? Wasn't that Mr. Churchill's often repeated defense? Will $9 million be enough to cover the legal costs of opposing the conventional rhetoric offered in the Bold Air?
May 14, 2008

11:41 a.m.

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FormalistAesthete writes:

Just create a department of white European male studies and then they could hire a group of conservatives.
May 14, 2008

11:56 a.m.

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DenverDan writes:

There is a reason why most construction workers are conservative republicans, and most teachers are liberals.
Intelligence......
May 14, 2008

12:29 p.m.

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raysmom writes:

Denver Dan- so what's YOUR excuse?
May 14, 2008

12:37 p.m.

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Michael writes:

"There is a reason why most construction workers are conservative republicans, and most teachers are liberals." - DenverDan
Maybe so....but in a couple centuries the bridges, damns, buildings (schools and universities too), museums, highways/roads, churches, synagogues, and mosques, etc. will all still be monuments of the work done by those "construction workers" and the liberal teachers will all be dead and forgotten - thankfully.
May 14, 2008

12:39 p.m.

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raysmom writes:

Oh, and Dan, my teenager, who is National Honor Society President at his high school, as well as a member of Mentor Violence Prevention, Students Reaching Out, and Captain of his Senior League Baseball team, wanted me to propose to you that perhaps the old adage, "Those who can't do, teach!" would be an appropriate response, although I think, personally, that that is fairly obvious.
May 14, 2008

12:46 p.m.

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davies writes:

It often does take a fair amount of intelligence to work in construction, but I wasn't aware that construction workers were considered to be more intelligent than teachers overall.
May 14, 2008

12:58 p.m.

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Scott writes:

Also Dan, aren't you aware that many construction worker (of whom you disparage) and union members, hence a democrat strong hold?

I'll take the musings and thoughts of ANY construction worker over ANY liberal teacher ANY day of the week. I can have a respectful conversation with a construction worker. And, they actual work for a living!

Scott
May 14, 2008

12:58 p.m.

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holekeeper writes:

"There is a reason why most construction workers are conservative republicans, and most teachers are liberals." - DenverDan

Yea, all of the math, leadership, planning, knowledge of OSHA and zoning laws, reading schmatics, blueprints, bi-lingual, and not afraid to get thier hands dirty. Construction workers are uneducated fools. Denverdan I usually dont call people names, but you are the one that is stupid. You must teach at CU.
May 14, 2008

12:58 p.m.

Suggest removal

holekeeper writes:

"There is a reason why most construction workers are conservative republicans, and most teachers are liberals." - DenverDan

Yea, all of the math, leadership, planning, knowledge of OSHA and zoning laws, reading schmatics, blueprints, bi-lingual, and not afraid to get thier hands dirty. Construction workers are uneducated fools. Denverdan I usually dont call people names, but you are the one that is stupid. You must teach at CU.
May 14, 2008

12:59 p.m.

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holekeeper writes:

"There is a reason why most construction workers are conservative republicans, and most teachers are liberals." - DenverDan

Yea, all of the math, leadership, planning, knowledge of OSHA and zoning laws, reading schmatics, blueprints, bi-lingual, and not afraid to get thier hands dirty. Construction workers are uneducated fools. Denverdan I usually dont call people names, but you are the one that is stupid. You must teach at CU.
May 14, 2008

1:09 p.m.

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holekeeper writes:

I didnt mean to post that three times, the computer went funky. Sorry everyone!
May 14, 2008

1:16 p.m.

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DenverDan writes:

To all of you on the right. I am a construction worker.
May 14, 2008

1:23 p.m.

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davies writes:

This does smell a little like tokenism. The CU spokesman cited "diversity" as the reason to bring in a conservative. That fact in itself pretty much confirms what has been self-evident to many for years. But it's better than nothing, I guess.
May 14, 2008

1:23 p.m.

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Heidi writes:

DenverDan, now I understand. What you are saying is that construction workers have to follow certain laws, rules, and plans, therefore protecting the safety and welfare of the public. Teachers have the ability to influence (brainwash) young minds into thinking the way they do and not follow any certain criteria.
May 14, 2008

1:27 p.m.

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holekeeper writes:

There is a reason why most construction workers are conservative republicans, and most teachers are liberals.
Intelligence......

Sorry denverDan the way this post reads to me is that construction workers are stupid. I take back my name calling if you were going the other way with this.
May 14, 2008

1:30 p.m.

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raysmom writes:

DenverDan- Michael expressed it even better than I did- I much prefer people who have chosen useful lives that are not at the public trough than elitists LIKE YOU. And many of them are very intelligent, and even if they aren't Rhodes Scholars, they are generally good people, UNLIKE YOU.
May 14, 2008

1:31 p.m.

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Heidi writes:

holekeeper,

That's the way I interpreted it as well!

davies:

"This does smell a little like tokenism. The CU spokesman cited "diversity" as the reason to bring in a conservative. That fact in itself pretty much confirms what has been self-evident to many for years. But it's better than nothing, I guess."

I agree with you and think this would be a huge step for CU. I commend the effort.
May 14, 2008

1:33 p.m.

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raysmom writes:

Denver Dan- Oh, are you saying that you were being sarcastic? Well, mea culpa, if so- it just isn't unusual to hear that kind of nonsense and there's nothing I disrespect more than people who promote class conflict.
May 14, 2008

1:49 p.m.

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davies writes:

As Mr. Spock used to say: "Fascinating". Now that this comment thread has zigged a little, I'll zag and stick up for the teaching profession. I think teachers are generally above average in intelligence. But I also think the profession tends to attract those with more of an idealist perspective than many other professions. One of the most intelligent teachers I remember ever having (9th grade algebra) eventually got frustrated with the profession, quit, and became a construction contractor - his firm ended up building my parent's house. I thought it was strange at the time, but I don't anymore.

Heidi, write something funny.
May 14, 2008

1:54 p.m.

Suggest removal

DenverDan writes:

I work with construction workers. They have strong opitions on stuff they know nothing about. I think there is a reason why teachers tend to be liberals, they know more. You people talk trash about liberals. I will wear that tag with pride. Liberals gave women the right to vote. Gave blacks the right to vote. There are lots of liberal schools, sorry its not my fault. I know you all on the right don’t want to be confused with facts because your mind is made up.
May 14, 2008

1:56 p.m.

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opinionatedcolo writes:

I am interested as to who determines who is conservative. Rush says that McCain is not, Buckley was disgusted at the stupid Cr#p that Rush and Colter passed off as "conservative thought" and many Republicans are now bailing on the president they elected because he was the conservative choice. There are two types of people in this world, those who believe there are two types and those who are smart enough to know better. Diversity of opinion is not measured by Democrat or Republican.
May 14, 2008

1:58 p.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

davies,

So your parents must have a pretty damn good house built by a teacher/construction contractor. The best of both worlds! I'm sorry I'm not a Trekie so I can't run away with your "Fascinating" comment.

It does take an intelligent, selfless person to become a teacher. But when we are talking about college professors, they tend to come from a different stock. I'm not saying it is a bad thing, but some of them have personal agendas.
May 14, 2008

2 p.m.

Suggest removal

davies writes:

"I work with construction workers. They have strong opitions on stuff they know nothing about." - Well, that's a liberal for you ;-)

DenverDan, you may perceive yourself to be an intellectual giant among your co-workers, all puffed up with your liberal pride. That's OK. There is conservatism that comes from ignorance, but there is also conservatism that arises out of wisdom. Keep thinking really hard with your liberal intellect, and maybe you'll see the difference someday.
May 14, 2008

2 p.m.

Suggest removal

Michael writes:

Let's expand that list of names for the possible speakers and conservative luminaries to be invited to this party:
Clarence Page, Hugh Hewitt, Mike Rosen, Thomas Sowell, Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Newt Gingrich, Laura Ingraham, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson, Dennis Miller, Karl Rove, Tom Clancy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brett Favre, John Elway, Bernie Goldberg, Joe Gibbs, Jack Nicklaus, Fred Barnes, Charles Krauthhammer, Jack Welch, President G.H.W. Bush, Henry Kissinger, and it is too damn bad that William F. Buckley and Milton Friedman recently died as they would have been excellent guests too.
May 14, 2008

2:04 p.m.

Suggest removal

davies writes:

Michael: Good list, but leave it to CU and they'll probably end up with a holographic image of John Wayne that they all think they can make fun of.
May 14, 2008

2:05 p.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

opionatedcolo:

"There are two types of people in this world, those who believe there are two types and those who are smart enough to know better."

Bravo!!!
May 14, 2008

2:05 p.m.

Suggest removal

holekeeper writes:

OK denverdan you are a retarded CU liberal arts teacher. I take back what I took back!
May 14, 2008

2:12 p.m.

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davies writes:

I think you mean you take back taking back what you said in the first place. I think.
May 14, 2008

2:15 p.m.

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DenverDan writes:

Stop lesting to Rush and fox news. I bet you all voted for Bush twice. With all that wistom you all have. Time for change.
May 14, 2008

2:19 p.m.

Suggest removal

holekeeper writes:

stop listining to Randi Rhods and cnn bet you voted for clinton twice.
May 14, 2008

2:32 p.m.

Suggest removal

DenverDan writes:

Clinton will go down as way better pres than Jr. I dont like A.M. radio. that is for wierd white men. I thought Randi Rhodes played for ozzie. Our State, our college. Hoe keeper is that what you do?
May 14, 2008

2:33 p.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

Maybe we should just all pay it forward, then we wouldn't be having these arguments! If those liberal teachers shared all of their vast knowledge to the dumb conservatives, then no one would have anything to complain about!
May 14, 2008

2:36 p.m.

Suggest removal

DenverDan writes:

Why is there a lack of conserative teachers? A good teacher is a good teacher.
May 14, 2008

2:41 p.m.

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davies writes:

"Time for change." One change could be that CU would have some conservative faculty members. So see DenverDan? We agree after all.
May 14, 2008

2:44 p.m.

Suggest removal

davies writes:

You mean like Chairman Mao was a good teacher? He re-educated tens of millions. Doesn't it matter what is being taught?
May 14, 2008

3:41 p.m.

Suggest removal

kevinjjones writes:

By "conservative," these activists mean "Republican Party Hack."

They want benefices for Republicans who are hawks on foreign policy and apologists for globalist capitalism.

Condi Rice's foreign policy is anything but conservative. Prof. Claes G. Ryn, a traditional conservative who would make a truly interesting visiting professor to CU-Boulder, has called the Bush administration neo-Jacobin for its destructive revolutionary tendencies and its principled, self-righteous bloodlust.

I do wonder if Prof. Rozek's tally included Classics Prof. E. Christian Kopff among the "conservative" professors. Though he is a writer for paleoconservative magazines, I'm not sure he is even a Republican.

Many of the people(especially College Republicans) pushing for so-called conservatives would run like mad from a "moralistic scold" of a professor who vocally opposes licentiousness among students, picks fights with LGBT activists, radically critiques multiculturalism, and competently proposes the Christian religion. However, that kind of "conservative" voice is perhaps the most absent among faculty at CU-Boulder.
May 14, 2008

3:53 p.m.

Suggest removal

Alive writes:

"To all of you on the right. I am a construction worker."

-DenverDan

Then why weren't you at work today?
May 15, 2008

9:05 a.m.

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Alive writes:

Today's campuses remind me of the Salem witch trials. One can almost hear the chant: "Do not suffer a conservative to live!"
May 15, 2008

1:02 p.m.

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Alive writes:

Don't talk to me Chaz, all you ever do is try to discredit anyone who disagrees with you. Get a job or go outside and play or somethin'.
May 15, 2008

1:02 p.m.

Suggest removal

Alive writes:

Don't talk to me Chaz, all you ever do is try to discredit anyone who disagrees with you. Get a job or go outside and play or somethin'.

Home › News › Education

CU may host conservative cast of professors

$9 million plan seeks diversity at liberal campus

By Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published May 13, 2008 at 11 p.m.

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