CRACKERJACK LIBERAL CENSORSHIP

 

 

 

Rudy Takala
May 18, 2007
NewsWithViews.com

"So we fought against this curse [of thinking]. We tried to forget our lessons, but we always remembered…. We looked upon Union 5-3992, who were a pale boy with only half a brain, and we tried to say and do as they did, that we might be like them, like Union 5-3992, but somehow the Teachers knew that we were not. And we were lashed more often than all the other children." – Prometheus of Ayn Rand’s “The Anthem”

Recently, Hamline University decided to place a conservative student on probation because he thought improper things. His name was Troy Scheffler.

Following the massacre at Virginia Tech, the conclusions to anyone who noticed that the campus was a gun-free zone were obvious. Guns discourage crime; taking away the only realistic means of defense encourages crime. In the words of an e-mail that Troy Scheffler sent to university President Linda Hanson, “There are plenty of students complaining that this wouldn't have happened if the school wouldn't have banned their permits a few months ago. I just don't understand why leftists don't understand that criminals don't care about laws; that is why they're criminals. Maybe this school will reconsider its repression of law-abiding citizens' rights."

According to one news article, “Hamline officials took swift action. On April 23, Scheffler received a letter informing him he'd been placed on interim suspension. To be considered for readmittance, he'd have to pay for a psychological evaluation and undergo any treatment deemed necessary, then meet with the dean of students, who would ultimately decide whether Scheffler was fit to return to the university.”

I found out about the matter in a student-wide e-mail from Linda Hanson. “In conformity with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and our internal policies, Hamline will not release any information regarding the student's allegations…. Hamline University is committed to protecting the privacy of our students and to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the entire Hamline community,” the story goes.

When you hurt the feelings of liberal students, of course, they never feel safe. So to keep myself from violating the concept of a “secure environment” by committing the forbidden act of debating the issues of the day, I’m going to constrain myself to quoting some of those who commented on the article:

“I say he should sue this crackerjack university to the highest extent of the law, and should receive his degree with high honors, in absentia.”

“Universities are out of control, and it is time that those that run them have the state breathing down their neck. If I were governor, the president of the university would be in chains until that kid got readmitted.”

“Judging from this article, the one person who really needs a ‘psychological evaluation’ is Hamline University President Linda Hanson. Given that Madame Hanson thinks she can turn her campus into a ‘Constitution-free zone,’ it's clear she's got some serious megalomania issues that require immediate attention.”

“The response to Mr. Schaeffer was downright Stalinist. You remember those fun loving times in the late, great Soviet Union, right? Petty bureaucrats would send people with unapproved opinions to mental hospitals or gulags. American Left in academia, last bastion and all that.”

“Sue her and the university NOW. Her arrogance and criminal stupidity need to be severely punished.”

“Hamline's knee-jerk reaction and (so far) refusal to discuss it are very disturbing. Nice job hiding behind the rouse of 'data privacy.' I wonder if Hamline's admissions application lists other rights one is expected to give up for the privilege of attending such a mid-grade institution.”

When I asked Troy for a comment, he responded: “All I can say is that I will give this a good fight, and the worst that can come out of all this is that I end up a martyr. It appears I have riled many others to take my place. It is just sad that it takes someone to get persecuted like this before people stand up.”

As for myself, I say simply to Hamline: Stop flooding my inbox with your inane excuses. You abuse your authority, and use it to persecute those who dissent from American academia’s orthodoxy of liberalism and atheism. I’ve experienced it in the classroom. Troy has turned it almost into a lifestyle. I admire that.

Footnotes:

1. Gun Shy: After the Virginia Tech tragedy, even talking about concealed carry is grounds for suspension

© 2007 Rudy Takala - All Rights Reserved