Feb 10, 2005
Rebel Yell on the Attack on Hoppe
The lead editorial today http://www.ryunlv.com/news/2005/02/10/Opinion/Editorial-860133.shtml in UNLV’s student newspaper, Rebel Yell has this to say, which I am quoting in full:
For many of us here at UNLV, especially those who concern themselves with the reputation our great school makes for itself in the community, the word "controversy" is an old acquaintance. Similarly, students and faculty know that whenever the word "controversy" comes around, "free speech" isn't far behind. Which is why it came as no surprise to hear that, once again, an overly sensitive individual was offended by words spoken within the confines of an academic arena - an arena in which speech is supposed to be free.
The latest in UNLV's unflattering history of First Amendment violations alleges that economics professor Hans Hoppe made an inappropriate comment about homosexuals in a March lecture to his money and banking class. In his lecture, Hoppe said that certain demographics that tend not to have children, such as homosexuals, generally don't plan for the future as much as those that do have children. Hoppe also stated that homosexuals tend to live riskier lives, which can contribute to impetuousness and lack of planning.
Although not the most agreeable statement to be making to young adults in our more socially enlightened generation, Hoppe legally had the academic freedom to espouse his beliefs and theories without having to fear the fascist iron fist of silence. But Hoppe forgot that this is UNLV - the self-styled master of heavy handedness in all matters concerning the ineffable art of free expression. This university is a virtual black hole of thought - a barren desert of oppression where the most fragile bloom of originality is stomped out under the mud caked boots of clodhopping ignorance.
If any good comes from compulsory public education, society should hope that maturity is the sole virtue instilled into individuals that leave high school seeking higher education. It should be understood that college is a place only for those with temperament, patience, willingness to learn and who can roll with the inevitable punches designed to rock the collective senses of students who just aren't mature enough to cope with academia. Students must be able to weather the unavoidable storms of offense, insult and ignorance that plague any forum of intelligence.
It lies within the same vein of learning from mistakes - pulling the positive out of the negative. Embedded deeply into every insult or offense is valuable knowledge from which to learn. This knowledge is criticism, and along with every criticism is the opportunity to grow stronger - to reinforce weakness.
The student responsible for filing the complaint against Prof. Hoppe should not have done so because of a generality that he made in class that may be true. If he wants to be an instructor watchdog, there is plenty of material to work with in the political science department.
Justin Chomintra, in his article, “Professor, ACLU may sue UNLV,” also has the following (the full article, which is a more detailed account of the events, can be found here: http://www.ryunlv.com/news/2005/02/10/News/Professor.Aclu.May.Sue.Unlv-860094.shtml ):
"The university has blatantly violated its contractual obligations toward me," Hoppe said. "Instead of protecting me from frivolous interference with my right to academic freedom, university administrators have been permitted to engage in a witch-hunt against me."
Hoppe claimed that the ordeal has had widespread affects on both his mental and physical health. "This affair has been dragging on in an almost Kafka-esque fashion for almost a year now. It has cost me countless sleepless nights, my health has suffered, as my doctors will attest, and most importantly, it has robbed me of my ability to concentrate on my work."
Hoppe claimed that UNLV President Carol Harter and other university officials have already received hundreds of letters from around the world persecuting the university for its injustices.
For many of us here at UNLV, especially those who concern themselves with the reputation our great school makes for itself in the community, the word "controversy" is an old acquaintance. Similarly, students and faculty know that whenever the word "controversy" comes around, "free speech" isn't far behind. Which is why it came as no surprise to hear that, once again, an overly sensitive individual was offended by words spoken within the confines of an academic arena - an arena in which speech is supposed to be free.
The latest in UNLV's unflattering history of First Amendment violations alleges that economics professor Hans Hoppe made an inappropriate comment about homosexuals in a March lecture to his money and banking class. In his lecture, Hoppe said that certain demographics that tend not to have children, such as homosexuals, generally don't plan for the future as much as those that do have children. Hoppe also stated that homosexuals tend to live riskier lives, which can contribute to impetuousness and lack of planning.
Although not the most agreeable statement to be making to young adults in our more socially enlightened generation, Hoppe legally had the academic freedom to espouse his beliefs and theories without having to fear the fascist iron fist of silence. But Hoppe forgot that this is UNLV - the self-styled master of heavy handedness in all matters concerning the ineffable art of free expression. This university is a virtual black hole of thought - a barren desert of oppression where the most fragile bloom of originality is stomped out under the mud caked boots of clodhopping ignorance.
If any good comes from compulsory public education, society should hope that maturity is the sole virtue instilled into individuals that leave high school seeking higher education. It should be understood that college is a place only for those with temperament, patience, willingness to learn and who can roll with the inevitable punches designed to rock the collective senses of students who just aren't mature enough to cope with academia. Students must be able to weather the unavoidable storms of offense, insult and ignorance that plague any forum of intelligence.
It lies within the same vein of learning from mistakes - pulling the positive out of the negative. Embedded deeply into every insult or offense is valuable knowledge from which to learn. This knowledge is criticism, and along with every criticism is the opportunity to grow stronger - to reinforce weakness.
The student responsible for filing the complaint against Prof. Hoppe should not have done so because of a generality that he made in class that may be true. If he wants to be an instructor watchdog, there is plenty of material to work with in the political science department.
Justin Chomintra, in his article, “Professor, ACLU may sue UNLV,” also has the following (the full article, which is a more detailed account of the events, can be found here: http://www.ryunlv.com/news/2005/02/10/News/Professor.Aclu.May.Sue.Unlv-860094.shtml ):
"The university has blatantly violated its contractual obligations toward me," Hoppe said. "Instead of protecting me from frivolous interference with my right to academic freedom, university administrators have been permitted to engage in a witch-hunt against me."
Hoppe claimed that the ordeal has had widespread affects on both his mental and physical health. "This affair has been dragging on in an almost Kafka-esque fashion for almost a year now. It has cost me countless sleepless nights, my health has suffered, as my doctors will attest, and most importantly, it has robbed me of my ability to concentrate on my work."
Hoppe claimed that UNLV President Carol Harter and other university officials have already received hundreds of letters from around the world persecuting the university for its injustices.