“What Does It Mean to be ‘Balanced’ in Academia?”
David A. Hollinger
February 28, 2005

A recent criticism of the “imbalance” of registered Democrats to registered Republicans on university faculties leads some conservatives to demand that universities hire new faculty in proportion to the ratio of Republicans to Democrats, or supporters of Israel to supporters of Palestine. Hollinger argues that ‘balance’ in academia should refer to professionalism in education rather than the identities of educators. Professors have the right to focus on their topic of choice, but should be prepared to respond to questions from popular society. (Back to academic freedom)