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Opinion

Exchange of ideas vital in college

Christian Ochoa 
Opinion Columnist

The free exchange of ideas on a college campus is a romantic notion that bright-eyed college kids dream of when they walk into their first lecture hall with expensive textbooks and the promises of a higher education accompanying them. 

Unfortunately, for those bright-eyed students, the professor is limited in what he or she can speak of; at least that's what some activists hope to achieve. 

In a movement that is gaining support all over the country, concerned activists are turning to the legislative process to protect students from being indoctrinated by zealous professors. 

Or rather, protect sensitive individuals from hot-topic issues. 

The Academic Bill of Rights, which currently exists in some states and is being pushed in others was created to help protect students from professors and the potential of their soapboxes. Even though the intentions of the activists might seem noble and pure at first glance, the negative side effects are still there, especially when any institution -- private or public -- might be denied funds by the government if it doesn't comply with the ABOR's restrictions. 

A protective shield from ideological rants that are only tangents to instruction and often hinder learning is a bright idea, but it should be constructed in a careful way so as not to limit free speech and still offer protection. 

Even so, the current form of the ABOR is a threat to the free exchange of ideas and can limit the full potential of a college experience. 

Students may find it difficult not to discuss the need for a moderate block to be created in the Middle East without mentioning the war in Iraq and the international outcry that has taken place. 

Nor can students discuss literary texts without mentioning the lives and personal beliefs of the authors, which would probably include possibly controversial views on gender, race, religion and sexuality. 

Students may find it nearly impossible to not to get the full spectrum of human civilization without mentioning evolution, pagans, sex, Nazis, gays, liberals, neocons, slavery, censorship, genocide, corruption and whether a god plays a role in human life. 

Human civilization is a dirty business, but no chance for growth and development exists without the possibility of a little pain. 

Activists and leaders should leave the college business to the ones who are affected by it: the students. 

Elected officials should focus on getting re-elected and not vexing the student population. 

Education is essential to a healthy democracy. If those elected officials are patriotic and love democracy, they shouldn't hinder a bright-eyed student's education in any way.

Ochoa, a creative writing junior, 
can be reached at dccampus@mail.uh.edu