I would certainly hope that Professor Scott Straus would understand that human knowledge is a never-ending pursuit of the truth, and that no person or intellectual faction has a monopoly on truth. In an environment embracing intellectual diversity, where independence of thought and speech are protected and fostered, learning thrives.
When a series of New York Times op-ed pieces with a one-sided, anti-Bush view were e-mailed to our class by Straus; when he decided to present a series of one-sided lectures on \U.S. torture"" at Abu Ghraib, a subjective point of view; and when he stifled freedom of speech by saying, ""you have spoken enough"" during a so-called ""open and free discussion period"" of the class when nobody else had raised their hand; this exhibits censorship.
It also shows a fear of seeking the truth-and if you're not in the truth business, then you should not be teaching at a world-class university like UW-Madison. When all points of view are embraced, and when a professor takes on his or her given responsibility of creating an environment conducive to learning, regardless of a student's race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or political or religious beliefs, then true academic freedom is achieved for every student fortunate enough to attend this university.
Joe McWilliams
UW-Madison junior
political science and molecular biology
I read your article on the conflict in Scott Straus' political science class, in which I was quoted. My criticism of the Dean of Students' letter was quoted correctly, and the article raised the important issue of intellectual diversity.
But I should stress that my criticism was limited to the Dean of Students' letter, which is all I commented on in the interview. My comments were in no way meant to criticize Straus. Straus is a conscientious and very able new professor whose teaching is already rated at the top of the department. In all my interactions with Scott, I have found him to be one of most fair-minded and trustworthy persons whom I have encountered.
If there is a problem with the handling of this case on the university's side, it lies in hands other than Straus'.
Donald Downs
UW-Madison professor
political science
One of the things I found most invigorating about student life at UW-Madison was classroom discussion and debate. I heard about the liberal faculty and how the political right was underrepresented all the time, and believed it myself. We poor conservatives felt so oppressed!
However, while reading the articles about the recent situation with Joe McWilliams, I had to sit back and laugh as I pictured the situation. I'm curious-who deemed McWilliams the right-wing crusader? Why did he feel so strongly about having to assert his own opinions in a manner detrimental to a more comprehensive and inclusive debate? Why is he intent on being so abrasive and disruptive in his views? I recall cringing in embarrassment during situations like this one in classes at Ingraham and Humanities-and I was a conservative!
You're not Rush Limbaugh, Joe. The other students can't turn the dial like they do when Limbaugh's voice comes on. Don't take yourself so seriously, and maybe something good will come of the exchange of ideas in the classroom.
At least that's what happened in the classes that I value the most as I look back.
Luke Sinclair
UW-Madison alumnus
