June 1, 2006

Contact:  Will Potter    (202) 822-7823

NEA Testifies on Threats to Free Exchange of Ideas Posed by "Academic Bill of Rights"

Pennsylvania is one in a growing list of states considering similar bills

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- “Academic Bill of Rights” legislation would stifle debate and silence controversial views on college campuses, according to the National Education Association’s National Council for Higher Education.  Kathy Sproles, president of the group, testified on the bill’s threats to academic freedom before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Thursday.

The legislation was developed by conservative activist David Horowitz, who is also the leader of a student group campaigning for a “bill of rights” on campuses.  In speeches and writings, Horowitz claims to be protecting students whose political views differ from those of their professors.

 “Students from all over the world attend colleges and universities in the United States to attain a quality education that comes from the free exchange of ideas,” said Sproles.  “David Horowitz and his supporters, it seems, are afraid of that free exchange, and want the government to step in and control the flow of information, discussion and debate.”

Sproles’ testimony is part of a two-day hearing held on the campus of Harrisburg Area Community College.   It is the fourth and final hearing by the Pennsylvania House Select Committee on Academic Freedom.
Pennsylvania’s General Assembly passed H.R. 177 creating the committee to examine allegations of so-called “liberal bias” among college faculty, and to evaluate the need for an Academic Bill of Rights on the state’s college campuses.

“Colleges and universities already have policies for students to file grievances if they feel a professor has acted improperly and intimidated them into silencing their own opinions,” said Sproles.  She described the state and federal legislation as “a solution in search of a problem.”

Pennsylvania is one of a growing number of states that are considering such legislation.  Bills were introduced in six states this year (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, New York and South Dakota).  Four states carried over the issue from last year (Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Tennessee).  And lawmakers in 10 states rejected proposed legislation in 2005 (California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington).

“Blacklisting professors with controversial views severely limits the college experience for all students,” said Reg Weaver, NEA president. “A good university respects diverse opinions and provides students with a wide range of viewpoints."

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.