Metro State clears teacher in Palin essay flap

By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 15, 2008 at 10:02 a.m.
Updated October 15, 2008 at 10:50 a.m.

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October 15, 2008

10:11 a.m.

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Nobama writes:

Well, what a surprise. Did any of you see the Department Head interviewed on TV? Typical Liberal academic. She was probably aware of it all along.
October 15, 2008

10:16 a.m.

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fastnloose writes:

Typical wolves guarding the hen house.
October 15, 2008

10:16 a.m.

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sawzallartist writes:

Who is more hypersensitive these days?

Fundamental Muslims with cartoons or the reactionary right with education.....

Both are living faith based realities
October 15, 2008

10:20 a.m.

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mexcellent writes:

It's horrible that times aren't like the old days and libs can actually get into a college thanks to affirmative action, government programs, and the ability to pull themselves up by the bootstrap after generations of oppression.
October 15, 2008

10:31 a.m.

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danirobi writes:

Typical of Metro State!
October 15, 2008

10:32 a.m.

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Scott writes:

"The inquiry concluded students didn't feel personally belittled or insulted by Hallam."

Of course the losers, err I mean college hacks, that "investigated" this disregarded what the offended students told them. I would not be surprised if the students who blew the whistle on Komrade Hallam were forced to attend "sensitivity" training else be expelled.

Scott
October 15, 2008

10:34 a.m.

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Cowboy63 writes:

I'm surprised they even had an inquiry.

This sort of "demonize the other side" Leftwing MANDATORY assignments are common. The Left is about snuffing out ALL opposition. What's this English professor's next MANDATORY paper?.. Explain why John McCain is the devil?
October 15, 2008

10:36 a.m.

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303Centennial writes:

Where do we draw the line between academic freedom and providing our young a fair and unbiased education? It is very sad to bear witness to this sick and grossly biased educational system. This Country is slowing losing its ability to be free-thinkers and make their own decisions -- very contrary to the root meaning of education.
October 15, 2008

10:45 a.m.

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Scott writes:

Cowboy63,

Your statement regarding "Leftwing mandatory assignments" is dead on. My youngest just graduated from Metro. In the mandatory reverse discrimination courses (a.k.a multi-cultural studies), she quickly learned what the little losers (professors) wanted to hear her say. She proceeded to write a bunch of liberal tripe (including out-and-out B.S. about what she "experienced") and always got A's in those courses.

A ton of lib B.S. was worth more than an ounce of honest opinion when pursuing an A in the political re-education courses.

Scott
October 15, 2008

10:49 a.m.

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chickenlittle1234 writes:

303Centennial writes - "Where do we draw the line between academic freedom and providing our young a fair and unbiased education? It is very sad to bear witness to this sick and grossly biased educational system. This Country is slowing losing its ability to be free-thinkers and make their own decisions -- very contrary to the root meaning of education."

Wait, wait, wait. When you state that the US is slowly losing its ability to think critically, are you referring to Metro State or the general electorate who let themselves be happily hoodwinked into a unilateral war with Iraq, or who focus so much time on what celebrity is in trouble this week? I was amused to see that the number of comments on any economic story this week has generally be half (or less) than any story that might also run on the Jerry Springer show. Check out the number of reader comments on the Madonna story compared to other real news stories.
October 15, 2008

10:53 a.m.

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Marshdale writes:

Nobama: Just ask yourself why most academics are liberal? Could it be that they are well educated and understand the failed philosophy of conservatism.

You conservatives love to talk about freedom and the free market so much. Tell me what is so free about illegal wiretapping, the Patriot Act, the Homelaand Security Act. What is so free about a "free" market that punishes the middle class and labor. The backbone of America. Your conservative mantra is so old it's tiresome.

I certainly hope if you have a daughter, and she was raped, that Sarah Palin would not force her to have that baby against her will.

Your Bush boys have also made your right to bear arms threatened more than any Democrat ever has. Read Bush's proposal 51 or maybe its 52.

Wake up middle class. Elite Conservatives don't care about your civil liberties, your quality of life, or your families. It's all about making the rich richer at the middle class expense.
October 15, 2008

10:54 a.m.

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frosty writes:

It's time to restructure the learning process, and start by getting rid of tenure and base teachers pay on production just like out in the real world. When students can again produce results in math, English, and science the teachers will be paid accordingly. I had to take my daughter out of high school because she was not being taught the basics in these subjects, and the teachers didn't have a clue how to teach her, so I did, and yet those same teachers sit in the same school with their tenure not advancing the education of their students. I say pay them based on their production and watch how many leave the business once they actually have to preform like those of us in the real world. If I don't do my job, I lose it. They should too!
October 15, 2008

10:57 a.m.

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chickenlittle1234 writes:

Scott - Is it possible that your daughter was able to write a coherent argument and do it well, and that's what led to her A's? That would indicate to me that she is quite capable of critical thinking, and has actually learned something useful - not the so-called liberal BS you refer to, but an ability to think and communicate. Conversely, did she merely learn to conform? I trust you taught her that A's aren't that important.
October 15, 2008

10:58 a.m.

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Cowboy63 writes:

Scott - I hear you! That's also why I take all these "polls" that declare an Obama landslide with a grain of salt.

The Left is going to be in for a shock when the get the final tally of how much phony support they get when the sun shines, but will disappear once the curtain is closed in the booth.

Once you've gotten all the "mileage" you can get out of the Obama bumpersticker - vote with your wallet come election day.

Obama = higher taxes and wealth 'distribution'.
October 15, 2008

11 a.m.

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Scott writes:

frosty,

About ten years ago at Frontrange Community College it was posed to start paying the instructors (no tenure at community colleges) based upon their performance. The howls were deafening from the staff. At the time I was adjunct faculty teaching electronics. When I pointed out to the full time staff that this is what the real world was like, all I got was dirty looks. I loved it!

Scott
October 15, 2008

11:03 a.m.

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SoCol writes:

The assignment was to "consider and discuss". Sounds like an exercise in learning to think critically for oneself, which is really the most valuable skill learned in college. There is no mention of good grades for essays critical of her or bad grades for essays complimentary of her. All you neo-cons who don't value teaching our kids how to think for themselves are really neo-"comms" (communists).
October 15, 2008

11:05 a.m.

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Scott writes:

chicken,

It is a fact that my daughter can write a coherent load of B.S. and get the A's. In her first reverse discrimination course she was lamenting about how skewed the instructor was. We discussed what to do and she came to the conclusion to lie her @$$ off. So to answer your question, she learned to conform for those classes.

Yes, A's are important. When one is fresh out of school the G.P.A. is the only thing that a prospective employer has to gauge a prospective employee. Her major was accounting, hence you can't lie your way to an A in those course. Either the numbers add up or they don't.

Scott
October 15, 2008

11:08 a.m.

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SlouchingTowardBoulder writes:

Are you incensed by this whitewash? Do something about it! Vote against Amend 58 which is Ritter's attempt to funnel in hundreds of millions of severance tax dollars into "higher" education like Metro State. Vote against it. Starve the beast that is the leftist bastion of higher education.
October 15, 2008

11:10 a.m.

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Scott writes:

SoCol,

The original article from a few weeks ago stated that the students who complained were intimidated by Komrade Hallam's belittling of conservative points of view. They were also made to feel, by Komrade Hallam, that any expressed point of view other than to the left of Timothy Leery was not welcomed in his class.

You are correct in that this current article does not state (reiterate) this. I totally agree with you that critical thinking skills should be developed in college (actually junior and senior high school). However, RMN left out some important facts in this article.

Scott
October 15, 2008

11:13 a.m.

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SlouchingTowardBoulder writes:

SoCal erroneously states above: "The assignment was to "consider and discuss". Sounds like an exercise in learning to think critically for oneself ...".

Sorry, that's incorrect based on the facts. And facts are stubborn things.

Actually, Hallam said students should find commentaries that criticize Palin and undermine her.

Hallam stated: "Using clear reasoning, explain how these sources may undermine or otherwise paint a different picture of Palin as a person and as a politician than what she or the Republican Party may wish the American public to believe," he said.
October 15, 2008

11:13 a.m.

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UncleZancle writes:

Andrew Hallam has surely not been cleared by the people who pay his salary, the taxpayer. I say abolish the university system. It's nothing but a hate mill. And it hates most those who are it's greatest source of funding. Training tends to arise where it's needed and the universities are not training people to merge productively into the economy.
October 15, 2008

11:13 a.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

chickenlittle

So you are telling me that I should have gone against my principles in college to just get A's because the Professor any you disagree in any areas of partisan politics? It is critical thinking to write up carp that you know is just wrong, and then be happy about the A I recieved? Yes some professors are that petty. A few classmates and I put together experiments to prove our points. Did we turn them in? No but we did show them our findings, and I feel we were able to prove true critical thinking skills.
October 15, 2008

11:15 a.m.

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Cwillyrun1 writes:

From a report I've read in the past (wish I could provide it, but it's out there), conservatives on the average make more in salary per year than liberals. Must be the degrees that get people jobs at places like Starbucks. And we wonder why our education system is falling behind other countries. Look who's running it......
October 15, 2008

11:15 a.m.

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woodjt1 writes:

Frosty, Scott, and Cowboy63-I'm with you, tenure should be abolished since they no longer have to try anymore and it makes for lazy teachers who foist their opinions on their students. At Pomona High School in Arvada I had a Political Science teacher who took a survey of the class that showed if you leaned left or right. He took great delight in pointing me out specifically for ridicule in front of the whole class since I was conservative. This was in HIGH SCHOOL!! I talked to the principal and they refused to do anything about it. If you actually believe in morals these days, you are branded a closed minded neo-con. Amazing.
October 15, 2008

11:16 a.m.

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ActualThinker writes:

Love the amount of people commenting that know enough to pass judgement on what really happened. On one hand you have ONE student's version and the way she took things, on the other you have Metro's investigation where they interviewed not just the teacher but all the students in the classroom and determined their was a big misunderstanding in how one student took the assignment and exaggerated things. But no Metro with all the work they did talking to people knows less about this situation than you, the rocky mountain news reading AM radio listening public.
October 15, 2008

11:16 a.m.

anderson writes:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
October 15, 2008

11:18 a.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

sorry should have either been paying more attention to my meeting or to the above post :-)

Corrections

Did we turn them in? No but we did show them our findings, SHOULD have been "Did we turn the professors into the Dean? No but we did show the professors our findings after the semester.
October 15, 2008

11:25 a.m.

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jay writes:

lol...the tinfoil hat brigade will be out in force on this one.
October 15, 2008

11:25 a.m.

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nocojames writes:

Marshdale: Yes, of course most scholars are liberal. After all, the core of academics is to shut down the centers of your brain responsible for rational thought, absorb whatever your 'educators' tell you, wrap it in a little empty rhetoric and sophistry,then regurgitate it onto a piece of paper. It dove-tails perfectly with the liberal propaganda machine.
October 15, 2008

11:26 a.m.

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mrwiizrd writes:

"Marshdale writes:

What is so free about a "free" market that punishes the middle class and labor. The backbone of America."

Stop believing what the MSM and the politicians are selling you and do a little critical thinking of your own. We don't have a free market, good ole Uncle Sam has his hand in just about everything, it hasn't been free for a long, long time. Uncle Sam does a fine job of hampering the market with large-scale unnatural forces, and these have major effects.

If we had a true free market no one would get "punished," free markets reach equilibriums, one day you'll realize it's not possible to have some sort of idyllic economic utopia you're hoping for. The Soviet Union tried it, and look what it did for them.

But, by all means keep voting for politicians that pass more restrictive legislation to fix the legislation they screwed up to begin with, so that way when the next group comes along they can pass even more legislation to justify their existence. That sounds like change I can believe in, because I keep seeing it happen over and over again, every 4 years Democrat or Republican, it always the same.
October 15, 2008

11:26 a.m.

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Cwillyrun1 writes:

actualthinker......... did you read the article? Apparently not. There were 3 students that complained about Hallam, not just the 1 that you would like to believe. You must be one of those that were taught by THIS education system.
October 15, 2008

11:28 a.m.

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zivo24 writes:

The primary complainant was Jana Barber.

She is the sister of Matt Barber, a remotely infamous conservative extremist/activist who sued All State claiming he was fired because of a controverisal anti-gay article he had written.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library...

And this is hardly the first time Matt Barber has made news for his extremist activism. Google his name and you will find a plethora of articles by or about him. He's an instigator - a right-wing troublemaker.

Little sister is just trying to follow in his shoes.
October 15, 2008

11:31 a.m.

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chickenlittle1234 writes:

COLibertarian - Well, I wasn't actually telling you anything, I was asking Scott questions about his daughter's experience. However, I wouldn't ever suggest mere conforming in order to get an A, and I've told both my kids that. It's a lesson I learned when I was at the Univ. of Minnesota nearly 30 years ago - and yes, that's a long time and a lot has changed. But the specific lesson for me was when I was taking a final for lit. class that I hated. The final consisted of three essay questions. THe first two were fairly straightforward, but after reading the last one, I started to get angry, because I thought was the wrong question to ask. So, I re-wrote the question and answered it. I got an A, and the professor told me when I was checking the grades that it was one of the best exams he'd ever graded. I don't say that to pat myself on the back, but to illustrate that most every professor I had who was worth anything appreciated my thinking outside the box, and effectively making the material my own.

For what it's worth, my experience (and the second hand experience I've had through my kids and niece) is that for every Ward Churchill (who was as bad as many seem to think Hallam is), there are nine others who want their students to challenge them and their assignments.

I don't agree that A's are that important, though I agree with Scott that one's GPA is most of what a grad has after school. That may sound contradictory, but I've always found that the best jobs I've had are the ones where my independent thinking was valued. They're hard to find, and it's made for an odd resume, but I've been able to work for a national and highly respected newspaper (CS Monitor), consulted for Indian tribes, and invested in real estate. My overall GPA, by the way, was 2.8.
October 15, 2008

11:31 a.m.

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SoCol writes:

My bad-

The original (short) article on it this morning only stated they were assigned to consider and discuss her fairy tale image and that students were found not to have felt belittled, etc. by it. Reading the latest article and an older one about it leaves me feeling a little red-faced. Vulgar language and ridiculing students based on their political leanings is an entirely different story, and has no place in any classroom.
October 15, 2008

11:32 a.m.

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303Centennial writes:

chickenlittle1234 -- With your comments, I rest my case. You drilled home the very point I was making. The electorate generally have given up on putting forth effort and the responsibility to think for themselves, research the facts, and observe the global events. This Country is too busy being entertained with Jerry Springer and the like to accept and pursue not only their right but their patriotic responsibilities. The change that is needed will take more than a Barack Obama or John McCain to fix this Country. It is going to take a complete change in philosophy and understand, life is not fair and not everyone gets to have what others have. Wealth belongs to those to pay the price, endure the pain to get there, and earn it!
October 15, 2008

11:33 a.m.

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Cwillyrun1 writes:

Weak, zivo, weak! Would you like to explain, if there was nothing wrong done, why Hallam now has a faculty member as his mentor? If he did nothing wrong, why does Hallam have to attend an all day session on how to maintain political balance in class? Metro St. is basically saying he messed up, but all he's getting is a slap on the wrist.

Please elaborate on this in the article above: "The investigation concluded that Hallam must learn to curb the use of vulgar language in class, and that the introduction of controversal topics must have a substantial relationship with the subject of the class," according to a news bulletin released by the college Tuesday.
October 15, 2008

11:36 a.m.

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UNV_ME writes:

Metro State clears teacher in Palin essay flap...

as they should have.
October 15, 2008

11:37 a.m.

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Duckster writes:

The decline of the American educational system began when the 60's radicals were given teaching positions in the 70's and instituted an agenda built around teaching students WHAT to think instead of HOW to think.

http://lagniappeslair.blogspot.com/
October 15, 2008

11:39 a.m.

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SPL writes:

Lots of un-sound nonsense coming from those who are not educators. Still, it's nice to see the hysteria here and the suggestions of those who probably know very little about education and how the system functions.

As a teacher of adults he should be allowed to frame his assignments in any way he sees fit as long as it is relevant, and achieves the objective of the class. Students, whether they agree with the statement or not, argue their position. It is churlish to suggest they'd be graded on their political views, and the complaint shows a lack of maturity on behalf of the students involved. Vulgar language however, should not be tolerated.

Scott, maybe you should go and test out your performance-pay theory and teach a semester in a nice inner city school with plenty of students who have language and social difficulties. What price would you put on your effort and the performance of your students compared with that of an experience in a nice Cherry Creek charter school? You have no grasp of reality sir.

Frosty, no wonder you got dirty looks - everyone else was probably wondering how on earth you got a job in education because it's nothing like a job in the real world. Teaching electronics suggests you came from a trade and you were teaching students who wanted to enter that trade or something similar - sounds like a nice easy number to me! Try teaching 11th grade math to kids who are repeating it for the 3rd time.
October 15, 2008

11:40 a.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Zivo,

The one that took the headlines, if that is what you are meaning by primary, OK

The justification for this is nuts at many levels.

The 3 who complained and making the assumption a few others that were not comfortable with this assignment SHOULD have looked at this as an excercise in CRITICAL THINKING. OK lets go with that point. Why then were the students that do NOT support Palin allowed to not use Critical Thinking skills. Should they not be pushed to their limits also???
I imagine excercises like this happen by professors on either side of the partisan aisle.

Any way you look at this, it does not serve education well for the entire class.
We spend our money to go to school, send our kids to school, to get the best education possible.

If we are going to pull partisan politics into the heap with our money, then use that tactic to FULLY embrace Critical Thinking, not just subjectively OR as an Excuse!
October 15, 2008

11:40 a.m.

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Scott writes:

SoCal,

No need to be "red-faced." From your original posting it was obvious that you were not aware of the facts that were reported in the original story. RMN has a bad habit of leaving out pertinent facts.

Scott
October 15, 2008

11:49 a.m.

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zivo24 writes:

Cwillyrun1,

He has a faculaty mentor because the college has to placate people like you.

I've written all this before but I'll do it again.

In my high school and college years I often assigments to write essays or argue on behalf of positions from points of view that I did not personally hold.

I had one teacher who asked the class to raise their hands to show their support for one side an issue or another. Once you had committed yourself to a side, she assigned you to write an essay or argue on behalf of the opposing viewpoint.

Do you even know what the course that Hallam was teaching? Don't you think that would be an relevant bit of information for this story to include?

Are you aware that many of the other students in this class as well his other classes came to Hallam's defense? This story only implies that "they weren't offended".

God forbid you or anyone else consider that this knife might cut both ways.

He's a first year teacher who surely did make some mistakes, but the only reason this is really news is because a little right wing activist wannabe who ran to the media before she contacted the college happened to be in the class.

And let's talk about personal responsibility for a second. That is something conservatives supposedly love, right?

Why didn't Barber have the courtesy, courage or integrity to say something to Hallam herself?

She ran to the media first because that is what her brother would do...if he didn't set up the interview himself.

http://www.rightwingwatch.org/categor...
October 15, 2008

11:51 a.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Chickenlittle

Thank you for your response. For the most I agree. To challenge ideas in a civil and appropriate measure should be part of a student's life. When we challenged our professors, we got mixed reviews. Some thought it was great, however there were those that fought us at every turn. I too did not get straight A's nor was my goal to get straight A's. My goal was to LEARN. It sounds like you and I see things very close to the same in that area.

My points are that challenging the professor was the correct thing to do. I however do not agree with the manner in which it happened......ie the media. This should have been dealt with in-house and between the student(s) and the Professor.
October 15, 2008

11:52 a.m.

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jay writes:

it's a chicken or the egg argument.

do liberals go to college or does education make one a liberal?
October 15, 2008

11:54 a.m.

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Scott writes:

SPL,

You confused frosty with me. I taught the electronics at Frontrange CC. Also, I'm now teaching remedial math courses at CCD to both old farts like me (I'm 52) and to 20-somethings. Most of my students are taking the math course for at least the second time! So what was your comment about teaching 11th graders math for the third time?

Oh, in regards to your "inner city school" comment about me, I did volunteer (i.e. NO PAY) teach an electronics class at Skyview High School (Adams district #1, a welfare district) back in the mid 90's. One half of the class wanted to learn, the other half was just wasting valuable oxygen. I also tutored in math and physics every Wednesday for three years back in the early 90s at the same school. My two daughters attended Pre-K through 12 in Adams district #1.

The performance pay for a teacher in an inner city $#!t hole would be known as combat pay.

Lastly, what was your comment about my lack of "grasp of reality"?

Scott
October 15, 2008

11:54 a.m.

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bph writes:

i look forward to this election being over. Then Libs can finally shut the F up for once.
October 15, 2008

11:56 a.m.

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zivo24 writes:

COlibertarian,

Can you give me one good reason why the motives of the accuser in this case shouldn't be considered?

If you had followed this from the beginning, you would know that it was Jana Barber who was on radio talk shows and being interviewed for Fox News BEFORE she or anyone else filed a complaint with the university.

http://colorado.mediamatters.org/item...
October 15, 2008

11:56 a.m.

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PaleoConservative writes:

Marshdale writes:

"Nobama: Just ask yourself why most academics are liberal? Could it be that they are well educated and understand the failed philosophy of conservatism."

The "soft" people in my field who fail in the real world generally gravitate towards academics, where the expectations and work load are much lower.
October 15, 2008

11:57 a.m.

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anderson writes:

Right wing curriculum: Villains 101. The War Against Me 103. Denunciations, Denigrations and Dehumanizing 201.

Text and materials: Brief quotes. Soundbites. Strawmen. Red herrings.

Pedagogy: repetition. Also, never, ever acknowledge more than one point of view, unless it is to mock or denigrate another view.

Teacher: The angry white man in the suit, who, unlike most of his audience, actually went to college, where he studied Machievelli.

By all means, right-wingers, keep your children out of school. They might get an education. They might wake up some morning and realize that they aren't at war with the rest of the world.
October 15, 2008

12:03 p.m.

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Scott writes:

bph writes: I look forward to this election being over. Then Libs can finally shut the F up for once.

Naw, it won't happen. If the messiah wins then we will get to hear about how magnificent his komradely socialist agenda is. If he loses, then the phonies, Sharpton, Jackson, et al, will whine for the next four years as to how evil and racist America is.

Scott
October 15, 2008

12:07 p.m.

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leatherneck writes:

Surprise, Surprise....Just think if Andrew Hallam would have asked the class to write an English paper on why America thinks Michelle Obama is a Racist... The Libs would have strung him up for it.
October 15, 2008

12:09 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Zivo thanks for the dialog. This from my 11:51 posting

"My points are that challenging the professor was the correct thing to do. I however do not agree with the manner in which it happened......ie the media. This should have been dealt with in-house and between the student(s) and the Professor."

Zivo, my point is on education and the $$$$ spent need to be challenged by all to make sure we are getting the best education possible.

Actually think all parties directly involved handled it badly. To make any justification based upon where you or I stand, in the end, only hurts both of us. I am not justifying the actions of the student(s) nor those of the Professor. Looks like both parties need to grow up and act in a civil manner.
October 15, 2008

12:11 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

I love reading these blogs about how the poor cons are being picked on. If they don't get the answers they want it is the liberal media or schools. Why don't you babies quit crying and grow up?
October 15, 2008

12:12 p.m.

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Denverselect writes:

Scott:

I just graduated from a University and I had a professor say in class "It makes me sad that there are no Blacks in class." I asked why and was humiliated in class for being racist....because the professor felt that us "whites" had a silver spoon fed to us." I was appalled and complained-I received a "C" in the class for not being sympathetic-this class was a Psychology class! So I for one am sick and tired of teachers trying to cram there b.s. down peoples throat!
October 15, 2008

12:12 p.m.

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Garip writes:

I saw a report the other day that laid out one of the most basic differences between liberals and conservatives. According to the report, liberals are educated, while conservatives scorn education. So, liberals know a lot and conservatives are ignorant and uneducated.

Hm.... which do I want to lead the country out of this mess? Let me think. It might take a minute. Conservative = uneducated. Liberal = educated. What to do? What to do?
October 15, 2008

12:16 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

So dilligaf, All citizens of any party affiliation should allow any teacher to do as he or she wishes without taking those actions into account and work to bring about the best education available for EVERY Student?

So you are telling me that if I dont agree with what a professor states, I should quit my crying and grow up? REGARDLESS of party affiliation?
October 15, 2008

12:18 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Garip please provide the report. Would love to see the article

Thanks
October 15, 2008

12:19 p.m.

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Scott writes:

Denverselect,

The old Denver satellite campus of Chapman University (that's where I picked up my BS degree) had two psych instructors.

One would NEVER EVER give a man a grade higher than a B. The other, Susan Whitefeather-Meadow, was a respectable instructor. I ended up taking and experimental sociology course from her, it was about American Indians, and ended up with a A without the need to B.S. her even though my views did not always coincide with hers. She was an honest educator.

Scott
October 15, 2008

12:23 p.m.

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zivo24 writes:

COLibertarian,

Agreed.

I recognize that it sounds like he ruffled some feathers and perhaps should have put some more thought into his words and assignments.

Personally, I don't believe in a class like this..where you're expected to use critical thinking and look at things from outside your own perspective..that the teacher should have to muzzle themselves. I had several teachers who let their views on some issues be known but challenged us to challenge them.

I learned LIFE LESSONS from those classes and to this day consider them to invaluable.

But as I also said, I think this whole thing is really only news because of one student, Jana Barber, who was predisposed to a specific agenda.

She should have had the courage and integrity to confront Hallam. I certainly would have. By running to the media before she ever spoke to him or the college she demonstrated her true motives.
October 15, 2008

12:28 p.m.

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anderson writes:

Garip, the report you refer to is obviously flawed, as is Horowitz and his ilk's various claims to know the political affiliations (there being only two) of college professors and to draw conclusions therefrom. How would you (they) know who is liberal (undefined)and conservative (undefined)?
October 15, 2008

12:32 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Zivo,

Thanks again for the response. Any specific Agenda, especially dripping in Partisan politics can be dangerous, and yet for some can be very profitable.

While not profitable on this posting, look at the hate spewed back and forth. Some direct, while others are made in the name of hate because they accuse others of hate. (Those are my favorite)

In the meantime we have further distanced ourselves without solving a dang thing..........well I guess I have solved the fact that I was in a super boring meeting while contributing to a story that in the end and you and I agree.....Should never been a story.
October 15, 2008

12:37 p.m.

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leatherneck writes:

COLibertarian writes:
Garip please provide the report. Would love to see the article
Thanks
So would I Garip:
You know, I have a feeling we are not going to get that report??
HMM let’s see...Conservative = Free rational thought. Liberal = Brain washed Socialize America….what to do? What to do?
October 15, 2008

12:37 p.m.

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Gonzopozo writes:

The pushing of political agendas inhibits intelligent thought.

Both here in this forum and at our colleges.
October 15, 2008

12:37 p.m.

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anderson writes:

Zivo, your remarks are right on.

That college students would be expected to expound on some idea they don't already hold or agree with is beyond the pale!

At one point in my college days, I thought I was pretty good at regurgitating ideas from literature when a young, untenured college teacher said to one of my drafts: Where's your point of view? I'll never forget that lesson.
October 15, 2008

12:47 p.m.

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ohpa51 writes:

Any thing these Socialist can do to bring down AMERICA they will, Metro State does not care about AMERICA, they only care about ruining this GREAT NATION. If they cared, this so called teacher would be looking for another job or even better yet put in JAIL for being the a-hole that he is. SOCIALISTMETRO STATE should not get any of the States tax dollars for so called teacher can teach our kids this crap to bring down this, the BEST country on earth.
October 15, 2008

12:50 p.m.

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anderson writes:

"Any thing these Socialist can do to bring down AMERICA they will,"

Funny, I thought America was still standing. No, wait. It only stands to reason.
October 15, 2008

12:53 p.m.

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hunterman writes:

"Are you incensed by this whitewash? "

Nope, but I'm mildly amused by the frantic bleating of flatulent right-wing sheep.
October 15, 2008

1:01 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Anderson you never will forget that lesson?

Yea right. Dude in the end you and I see things politically more the same than not. Truly We Do. The real funny thing is that I challenge your points of view, especially when they do not come full circle with well rounded facts, statistics, and dialogue beyond calling others names when confronted.

When confronted with your point of view in my case, you start with name calling, and when I confront you in that fashion and try civil and gentlemanly offers of discussion through invitations to coffee or a beer.........you run away.

In the end you use Passive-Aggressive zingers to make your point with me. Although my office is not a bunch of lawyers and paralegals like yours, MY Wife's is! They love to see you in action. All very interested in the man Anderson!!! Even tried to make me promise that if you ever accepted a beer offer, that they get to meet you! No worries.

Wow what a lesson!
October 15, 2008

1:12 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Freethought Not a neo-con as you requested, but am more of a fiscal conservative / social freedoms kinda guy..............

But do agree with you on your point. Not sure what the GOP was doing or thinking, but those in charge have messed it up pretty good. BUT no worries......... the Dems will get their chance at power over an extended period of time. Power will rule the day as it does with any Party. Power leads to >>>> corruption >>>>> leads to "change" Pretty much a definition of insanity throughout our history. What has made us strong is slowly eating away at us.......... Each failure builds on the other and it will eventually collapse.

BUT the Good News!!!!! We as a nation are "polishing" our turds for review in a few weeks. May the shiniest turd Illuminate us.
October 15, 2008

1:22 p.m.

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Cwillyrun1 writes:

zivo, why are you throwing a fit? I don't need to be placated, and if that's your excuse for why the professor has a mentor, then PROVE that's why he has the mentor and not form a deluded opinion without basis!

Did you try to think for yourself that some students decide to defend the professor because they are for Obama/Biden and not for McCain/Palin? If there was no issue at all...... why did 3 students bring it up? Not 1, but 3. In college, the professor in speech class asked us to take an unpopular stance on a subject and argue it, but we had a choice. These students didn't have a choice, and the language thing is also an issue. Obviously, that's not professional. Speaking of a choice, you said a teacher asked what side you took, and then you had to stick with it. Again, a choice and not comparable to the lack of choice these students had.

Deny it if you will, but the professor wasn't in the right, and even Metro St. admits it. It reminds me of the Overland High School geography teacher trying to make it a political science class by ripping Bush and the war in Iraq, and cutting down students who were Republican. IT HAPPENS! The other problem with that is the subject had nothing to do with the course. You do know that some students defended the Overland teacher, even though he was wrong?

Try to think about the last little bit you wrote....... why the student didn't go to Hallam herself. Which student, since 3 students complained about Hallam? And are you sure none of them said anything to Hallam? Somethin else, would you confront your teacher or professor if the same had just ripped you in class and has the ability to affect your grade just because you question his position and vulgar language? We're not in the position of the 3 students, but I can see why students went above him. If Wendy's screws your order up, do you bring it up with the person taking your order or do you bring it up with the manager? I bring it up with the manager because it's likely to be resolved that way, bringing it up with the order taker can fall on deaf ears and nothing changes. Try to see the big picture instead of defending Hallam blindly.
October 15, 2008

1:29 p.m.

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Cwillyrun1 writes:

Scott, Adams County district #1 is a bad one, isn't it? "Skyview" was a good school when it was Highland High.... when Mapleton High closed and merged with Highland High it became Skyview.
October 15, 2008

1:44 p.m.

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dilligaf writes:

COLibertarian
Can you tell me what law he broke or if he did anything against the school policy? Obviously they didn't find anything. So please also give some state statutes and any other state law or school policy this guy broke. Now Republican law don't count because we all know they have their own. If this guy would have picked a Democrat he had them write about he would have just been expressing his freedom of speech rights. Know you and I have had a lot of good blogs. And you claim you are independent. But why is it you always come to the defense of the right?
October 15, 2008

1:44 p.m.

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Darwin writes:

Big_D writes: It looks like the country is completely divided. That is just one more thing the GOP and Bush can take credit for. Bush certainly has disgraced the legacy of Reagan. It is no longer “my fellow Americans” now it’s “you people”.

Yeah, just like Obama referred to his white grandparents as "those people". If you would come out of your shell, you would realize that the problem is not just the Republicans, but also the Democrats. For you truly "free thinkers", it is time to abandon BOTH parties. They have abandoned us a long time ago.
October 15, 2008

2:03 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Dilligaf have you read my comments to Zivo? At all? I have based it upon education alone. I think both sides in this case were in the wrong.

DID YOU READ MY college example? Where did I SAY a LIBERAL Professor did this to me? NOT !
IT WAS A CONSERVATIVE PROFESSOR that did that to me. That is why I said it comes from both sides. BUT I was trying to keep this non-partisan. IT SHOULD BE about education. But most people are too busy on either side of the partisan aisle to discuss this idea.

It was a defense of education dilligaf!!! Also you asked what the professor did wrong? Reread the article. They did not find him without fault. Also where did I defend the right and say he should be fired? I didnt. I said it should have been handled better by both sides.

Dilligaf, my friend, if you spent as much time in dialogue (questions and answers without assuming) and quit trying to put people into 1 partisan bucket or the other, then our conversations would be of much better quality. But alas you accuse and I spend my time defending.
Dilligaf lets spend some time over a beer and I think you would find my views to be somewhat similar, but I feel my push for freedoms would go well beyond yours and frankly scare you a bit. Freedoms that I strive for are the reason I am COLibertarian, not CODemocrat or CORepublican.
October 15, 2008

2:24 p.m.

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COLibertarian writes:

Darwin,

Exactly! Blindly following 1 party or the other can be a dangerous thing. Heck both parties have "wet dreams" reading these types of blogs. What if we were truly united? What accomplishments could be worked out. Heck we will never 100% agree, but would be better than what we have

Look at our lifetime of history......say last 50+ yrs within Congress and the Whitehouse........... They bicker and fight......especially now with the cameras in place....... Just as we seem to do here...... but the difference between us and our politicians....is the fact that they get fat off of our divisiveness........ and they go out for drinks afterwards..... We end up with the bill, and a bitterness that will not go away...........
October 15, 2008

3:04 p.m.

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Scott writes:

Cwillyrun1,

Actually it was the last principal of Highlands (Sekage?) that kept it up to par. He hacked off the "powers that be" and was ushered out. The idiot that followed him, "DOCTOR" Gay Leo, (and don't you dare forget her pedigree) was a real piece of work. She ended up bailing out 1/2 way through her second year. By then the damage was done.

Add to it, that the schools now have to perform else the State will take them over. Hence, all of the churn in Adams #1. They are trying every latest "education" gimmick to try and get the CSAP scores up. See http://www.mapleton.us/schools/school... . So who suffers? The kids that want to learn.

Scott
October 15, 2008

3:24 p.m.

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fiesty writes:

303Centennial - there is no "free thinking" involved in this assignment. The teacher used derogatory language, (aka the "fairy tale image" comment), making it clear he wanted an essay on the negative aspects of Palin. If he had assigned a paper stating to pick a candidate and discuss their merits and drawbacks, he would have been fine- this would have been a free-thinking assignment. Heck, he would have been fine with Palin, if students were given the choice between support or not, if he didn't interject his own political bias. The sad fact is that he abused his position as a teacher to interject his personal political views. This is unacceptable, regardless of party affiliation.
October 15, 2008

3:32 p.m.

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usa_mattw writes:

I can't believe that people think that working hard and getting ahead are bad. The leftist that have responded to this article are nothing but ignorant, foolish people that can't think for themselves. They need their children to be educated by the state, for the state and in the interest of the state. What if this "professor" had substituted Obama for Palin? Wait, he wouldn't have been teaching. "College profs" are just leftist mouthpieces, for the most part. People that can actually make or sell something would never teach in today's climate. If they do well, it doesn't matter. The moron down the hall that has been there for 20 years makes twice as much even when he is a terrible teacher. As they say, those who can not do, teach. Komrade Hallam is just latest example. Merit pay and no tenure are the only way to fix our education system.
October 15, 2008

3:37 p.m.

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Cwillyrun1 writes:

Scott, I looked at the site and what a mess. So high school age students are mixed with elementary school age students? How many Skyview High schools are there? Geez...... no wonder Adams #1 has problems. It used to just be Mapleton High with the problems, I guess it's the whole district now.

Did you ever know of Mr. Studebaker? He taught Social Studies there.
October 15, 2008

3:45 p.m.

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americafirst writes:

Its time to take away funding for these liberal university teachers. Why do we have to give our tax dollars for these people that are trying to brainwash our youth? Why do we tolerate this liberal hatred that is growing in our universities? They promote socialism because they can't produce anything of value. Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. They live in their own form of Disneyland.
October 15, 2008

4:07 p.m.

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anderson writes:

A talk radio parrot weighs in. Note the breadth of topics.

usa mattw: "I can't believe that people think that working hard and getting ahead are bad."

Nobody said that. But if exaggerating someone else's view helps you win an argument, go for it.

"The leftist that have responded to this article are nothing but ignorant, foolish people that can't think for themselves."

Did someone identify themselves as a leftist? Maybe you really mean that anyone who doesn't see things as you do, is ignorant and foolish and unable to think for himself.

"They need their children to be educated by the state, for the state and in the interest of the state."

I don't know who "they" are, but I somehow benefited from a elementary and secondary education, and I had no choice in the matter. Maybe my parents should have consulted with you.

"What if this "professor" had substituted Obama for Palin? Wait, he wouldn't have been teaching."

Fine. Answer your own question.

"College profs" are just leftist mouthpieces, for the most part."

Indicating the likelihood that you've never been to college.

"People that can actually make or sell something would never teach in today's climate."

Glad to know you can speak with authority for all the working people in this country. My Marine DIs who worked at least 80 hour weeks would be glad to hear you conclude that they couldn't do nothing worthwhile.

"As they say, those who can not do, teach."

Er, as the ignorant say.

"Komrade Hallam is just latest example. Merit pay and no tenure are the only way to fix our education system."

The non-educator offers a fix for our education system.
October 15, 2008

4:30 p.m.

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rappaport writes:

To Marshdale: If elected, Sarah Palin, in no way, could ever "force" anyone's daughter to keep a baby that was born out of a rape attack! I cannot believe anyone would ever believe that. (1) she has to abide by the laws of the land (Roe vs. Wade) and (2) Congress---a now very Democratic Congress---could prevent anything like that from ever happening. ANYONE who blames "Bush" for most anything are truly ignorant of the fact that MOST EVERYTHING that he wants to do HAS to be voted on in CONGRESS. It's CONGRESS who makes most of the decisions in our nation, not the President. And this includes financial decisions, as well as law-changing decisions.
October 15, 2008

4:35 p.m.

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anderson writes:

Amerifirst: "Those who can't, teach."

Funny how we keep hearing this same profundity on these pages by different people. One that just happens to denigrate an entire profession. A sure sign of original thought.
October 15, 2008

4:42 p.m.

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Jimminy writes:

Hmmmm....Speaking of education,has anyone noticed that in the '50s a high school diploma would qualify one for a job whose entry level wage would support one person right away,and with the increased earning power generated by skills learned on the job would support a family after not very long.
You'd think with all the advances in academic information transmission and the trillions spent on education,one could by now support a family on an eighth-grade education,as one could 100 years ago.Nope.You need a Ph.D. to support a family now.Do you suppose that Metro State's action is part of the why?
October 15, 2008

4:46 p.m.

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anderson writes:

rappaport: only partially true. The President wields great power, as does the Congress and the Judiciary. His power extends to budgetary matters (he submits a budget to Congress) and to legislation (He can propose or veto legislation. The executive branch also controls regulation of the laws where it exists) Our political system is based on a balancing of these powers. So while its true we can't blame Bush for every ill (although he was the primary driver in our going to Iraq), we likewise cannot shift all the blame to Congress.
October 15, 2008

4:50 p.m.

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seeker writes:

Is this college or 5th grade? These are adult students not little kids in their formative years. Many times in college you are asked to take a position other than your own. On a debate team you don’t get to pick the side you’re defending or representing.

College is all about broadening your views and seeing beyond your own little world. There are many things we all had to deal with from grade school through college that we didn’t like or agree with but we did it anyway. In my world the nuns ruled with an iron fist and we were better people for it.

College should be a place where we learn about the real world. I have knows college professors that reigned over us like dictators. This isn’t a public grade school. This is college where you pay tuition. Seems like a big deal over a “homework” assignment.
October 15, 2008

5 p.m.

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anderson writes:

Jimminy, the technology and use thereof has changed, but the basic art of teaching has not. What that has to do with Metro State, I haven't a clue, but I see you're on the bandwagon with the hayseeds and the banner that says, "Let's condemn education". Shall we dump our institutions of higher learning (as some here have proposed) and take our education instead from the few entities that control TV and radio since most of us get at least part of our world view from these mediums anyway? ESPN has been talking about ESPN U for awhile. And as near as I can tell, the education is all directed toward liking sports, like those shown on ESPN. Or, maybe we should all just get on the job training.
October 16, 2008

11:53 a.m.

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rip_vw32 writes:

Wow.. I really cannot believe all the garbage coming out of people's mouth on this... from both sides. I have worked my entire life to get to the point I am at now, worked and bled for our country, and self taught myself various trades. I am well compensated (now), but because of my lack of college, I have had to bust my butt to do it. I am making more than a similarly knowledgeable college grad due to my time in the field, but I have to tell you guys, I would not want that path for my daughter or son. If they can get a college degree and make the same in half the time with half the effort, then by all means, do so.

That being said... As a person who has taught others in trades/skills, I know first hand you can only teach those willing to better themselves (learn). I do believe that a teacher should be paid in part on performance of their students, and that the "no kid left behind" policies of GW are really hurting those that want to learn at their own pace (if they are brighter than their contemporaries) as teachers are forced to "dumb it down" for their less bright students. What ever happened to people wanting to succeed in their own right? What ever happened to accountability?

Which brings me to my point... Had Hallam actually created an assignment where the dems in class had to write rave reviews of Palin and be able to show critical thinking, as well as the reps in class writing the negative, there would be no story. Politics has NO place in class, where you are trying to push an agenda that has nothing to do with higher education. Are you liberal simply because you have a piece of paper stating you are trainable? Am I republican because I don't have that paper? (actually I am not.. I am an independent: GO NADER! ;) ). Teachers are there to teach, to show people/kids how to think on their own.. not show them that you have to give in to get what you want (in this case an 'A'). It is morally wrong... doesn't anybody get that? Doesn't anybody see the original problem started with the teacher? I am not defending the student that made national head lines, but c'mon, if she didn't have a real story no one would have cared... What is wrong with holding someone to higher standards? Believing that it is possible to have someone in a position of trust that won't push their own morals, agendas, or thoughts, but will teach to actually teach? Hallam was very much in the wrong regardless of his political affiliation.. I just think it is very sad that if the assignment had been about Bidden instead, almost everyone's comments on this board would be reversed and with the same amount of fervor defended.. Wrong is wrong, regardless of your political affiliation
October 28, 2008

8:52 a.m.

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bobjohnson writes:

What is interesting is that people on the left who agree with this guy's politics seem to justify what he did, whereas those on the right, who disagree, want him punished or censured.
The point is, he had no business taking his politics, and rubbing people's noses in it who didn't agree with him in the name of some "English" course.

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Home › Politics › Elections

Metro State clears teacher in Palin essay flap

By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 15, 2008 at 10:02 a.m.Updated October 15, 2008 at 10:50 a.m.

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Published October 15, 2008 at 10:02 a.m.
Updated October 15, 2008 at 10:50 a.m.