My point was that nowhere in the letter is there any recognition of the professional repsonsibilties of classroom teachers, and their obligation to present their subjects in as dispassionate and accurate way as possible. A simply restatement of that basic principle was certainly fitting in a letter arguing the rights of teachers and would have addressed some of the criticisms currently leveled at college teaching.
Kirstein could easily have handled the cadet's request civily and professional while making his own disagreements known. If questions have arisen about his judgement and biases in dealing with students--even those 1000 miles away--he brought it on himself.
by HF Hazelbaker on October 19, 2003 at 12:09 PM