Stand up for conservative views
Kudos to J. Thomas Gombos (“Keep Your Opinions To Yourself,” ODE, April 2). Most public and many private college faculty are well to the left of center politically. Further, they typically are not bashful in promoting their leftist views in the name of “tolerance and diversity.”
Last year, I attended a class session with my daughter. The professor went out of his way to blast Christianity. At one point this professor stated that “Jerry Falwell was worse than Hitler.” That was quite a statement, given that the professor also referred to his Orthodox Jewish heritage. This professor was essentially saying, “Don’t confuse me with the facts, because I’ve made up my mind!” Sadly, this is an all-too-common occurrence in the academic world, with no dissenting argument from equally qualified people.
Gombos is quite right. Students and parents are paying a lot of money for instruction, not to listen to an instructor’s unsubstantiated opinion. The student is the consumer; the instructor is hired to teach the subject to the best of their ability. If opinions are discussed, then both sides should be presented.
By the way, when was the last time that a conservative perspective was presented in a university-wide forum and given respect? Tolerance and diversity run both ways. All views must be given equal value and respect, including conservative values.
I would encourage Gombos and other like-minded students to stand their ground and speak up. After all, it is your money.

Jim Hallwyler

Class of ’72


Eugene