Viewpoint-Neutral Teaching Isn’t Enough. If reformers want to tear down progressives’ campus hegemony, they need better tactics.

James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal ^ | January 10, 2024 | Scott Yenor

[karpov]

California’s higher-education system, beset by alarming acts of hate, intimidation, and bigotry on its campuses (e.g., anti-Israel and anti-Jewish protests), has launched a series of initiatives. Among them is an educational program that will present a “viewpoint-neutral history of the Middle East.” Many UC faculty oppose the plan and accuse UC president Michael Drake of an assault on their academic freedom. This raises important questions of principle: Is “viewpoint-neutral” history possible? Is it desirable?

Opponents of the hegemonic, imperial American Left’s control of the education space have an almost instinctive recourse to slogans. As the Left increasingly uses the education system to propagate its culture, conservatives seek forms of education that are not political in any comprehensive sense.

The Left stands for indoctrination, so opponents advocate for “education, not indoctrination” or “teaching kids how to think, not what to think.” The Left controls public schools, so opponents embrace “educational choice.” The Left practices cancel culture, so opponents bemoan it and embrace “free speech.” The Left presents a one-sided vision, so opponents demand “content neutrality” or “viewpoint-neutral” teaching perspectives.

[Persevero]

There is no neutrality.

We can promote freedom of speech and reasoned debate.

But neutrality is a lie game and I don’t wish to play.