Susan J Douglas is a professor of communications at the University of Michigan. And she wants you to know that she hates Republicans. She confessed this in an article written for In These Times.
“I hate Republicans. I can’t stand the thought of having to spend the next two years watching Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Ted Cruz, Darrell Issa or any of the legions of other blowhards denying climate change, thwarting immigration reform or championing fetal “personhood.””
Douglas has faced criticism for her comments. The Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party has called for her resignation.
“The University of Michigan is a respected public institution, funded by taxpayers, and this type of bullying must be addressed by President Mark Schlissel. I am calling on Lon Johnson, Gary Peters, Gretchen Whitmer, Tim Greimel and all Democratic officials to join in condemning this disgraceful dialogue by calling for Professor Susan J. Douglas’ resignation. By endorsing the hatred of an opposing political party, Douglas has made Republican students feel vulnerable and intimidated,” he said. “Our children come first, not the opinions of outspoken, out-of-line professors.”
Conservative students sometimes are concerned about the bias they are faced in college classrooms. Douglas has directly and honestly publicized that she feel “hate” for those with whom she disagrees. The Detroit News reported that Grant Strobl, the Chairman of the University of Michigan’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom is concerned about Douglas’ comments.
“This is blatant intolerance, and the University should take action on the behalf of intellectual diversity and all of the students who are intimidated into silence. In the position of an instructor, she can intimidate and inhibit the student’s freedom of expression.”
The University released a statement reinforcing that Susan Douglas’ words were her own and she was free to express them. But, students with opposing viewpoints also have the right to express themselves.
How would you feel sitting in a classroom with a professor who wrote that she hates people who hold your viewpoints?
H/T: FTR Radio