Florida: Bill to stifle professors clears committee....the next battle.

[madfloridian]

In Milton Mayers book, They Thought They were Free, about 1930's Germany, he writes about the constant battles they fought, how they were kept so busy by one thing after the other.

http://www.alligator.org/pt2/050323freedom.php

Capitol bill aims to control ‘leftist’ profs
THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS.

By JAMES VANLANDINGHAM
Alligator Staff Writer

TALLAHASSEE — Republicans on the House Choice and Innovation Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to pass a bill that aims to stamp out “leftist totalitarianism” by “dictator professors” in the classrooms of Florida’s universities.

The Academic Freedom Bill of Rights, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, passed 8-to-2 despite strenuous objections from the only two Democrats on the committee.

The bill has two more committees to pass before it can be considered by the full House.

While promoting the bill Tuesday, Baxley said a university education should be more than “one biased view by the professor, who as a dictator controls the classroom,” as part of “a misuse of their platform to indoctrinate the next generation with their own views.”

The bill sets a statewide standard that students cannot be punished for professing beliefs with which their professors disagree. Professors would also be advised to teach alternative “serious academic theories” that may disagree with their personal views...."END SNIP

This is, said Baxley in another interview, influenced by David Horowitz. I posted a thread about this happening in 9 other states.

[formerrepuke]

1. What exactly is "leftist indoctrination", anyway?

[ThoughtCriminal]

3. History, science...

nt

[jayctravis]

4. Stuff they don't agree with.

I can give a teeny bit of ground that gradeschoolers -- minor children who haven't formed opinions yet or even know how to -- probably shouldn't be exposed to any hardcore political debate in public-funded schools. They should be taught science and health, ie "just the facts" and neither liberals nor fundamentalists should interfere.

People in college are paying to be there, and can walk out of any class they like.

[grumpy old fart]

6. You know, not in keeping with Talibush Biblical Truth....

eom

[rodeodance]

11. teaching students how to do a critical analysis of our government

[texastoast]

13. Facts

Don't forget, righties just can't stand facts.

[grumpy old fart]

2. Professors "advised" to teach against their beliefs?

"Professors would also be advised to teach alternative “serious academic theories” that may disagree with their personal views"

what does "advised" mean in this context. Doesn't sound mandatory at least, thank Allah. The Talibush is on a rampage, no doubt....

[MrModerate]

9. What this incredibly brain-dead legislation would do . . .

Is eat up mass quantities of University funding in court fighting to defend either professors or students from each other. In fact, it should be subtitled the "Legal Fundie Revenue Enhancement Act."

Ultimately the taxpayer will get it in the shorts.

(And in fact, let's get ahead of the curve and call it "Schiavo-based law")

[Norquist Nemesis]

5. Isn't "leftist" subjective vs. objective?

I mean, if you are so far to the "right" on the spectrum, everything is "left". So, what are the standards? Who decides?

Well, let 'em have at it. It is clearly unconstitutional.

[grumpy old fart]

8. Constitution? What's a Constitution.....?

Talibush operates on the WORD OF GOD!!!!!

[global1]

7. Great - Let's Stamp Out The Last Vestige Of Thought In This Country....

Committee 8 - 2 - Repugs over Democrats

As long as the biased view is our view its ok. As long as we indoctrinate the next generation with our views its ok. But heaven forbid we should have a different view - then its a misuse of their platform. God Help Us!!!!!1

[democrat in Tallahassee]

10. oh fudge. another day, another embarrassment

a lot of florida villages are missing their idiots this month cause they are all in tallahassee

[madfloridian]

12. I felt exactly that way when I saw this. Embarrassed by Florida again.

And this Baxley is a dear friend of Jeb. :shrug:

[madfloridian]

14. “Freedom is a dangerous thing" says Rep. Baxley.

SNIP..."The staff analysis also warned the bill may shift responsibility for determining whether a student’s freedom has been infringed from the faculty to the courts.

But Baxley brushed off Gelber’s concerns. “Freedom is a dangerous thing, and you might be exposed to things you don’t want to hear,” he said. “Being a businessman, I found out you can be sued for anything. Besides, if students are being persecuted and ridiculed for their beliefs, I think they should be given standing to sue.”

During the committee hearing, Baxley cast opposition to his bill as “leftists” struggling against “mainstream society.”

“The critics ridicule me for daring to stand up for students and faculty,” he said, adding that he was called a McCarthyist. Baxley later said he had a list of students who were discriminated against by professors, but refused to reveal names because he felt they would be persecuted...."