From the Redlands Daily Facts
Posted by: Jessica Austin | 10/08/2008 1:26 AM
Here's a story that the RDF did regarding a speaker that is coming on Wednesday night to the University of Redlands. Since I am not familiar with the speaker, I did not get quoted directly on my thoughts of his views. However; I did mention that this school does not bring in any conservative speakers- which I vehemently disagree with. Regardless of whether I am a conservative or liberal, I think it is imperative for all educational institutions- especially higher education- to present a balanced array of political opinions. This is not the case at U of R. In fact, our club has to privately fundraise to bring in conservative speakers.
I can make a list of famous liberals our school has brought: Al Gore, Danny Glover, Michael Moore, etc. Can't think of any conservatives. The University of Redlands is an excellent institution- I just wish they'd be more fair in the selection process of spending my tuition dollars on political speakers. How can a citizenry make informed decisions when they don't have access to hear all sides of the political spectrum?
Here's the story:
REDLANDS - With the presidential election quickly approaching, the hope of many Americans rests solely on their party gaining the coveted position in the White House.However, Ron Ballard would argue that the hope of Americans should not rest on their party's ability to change America, but hope should be in God, or the divine principle, to bring change to the nation... click here for more.
This is why many sports ban the use of performance enhancing drugs. Another form of doping is blood...
I am a UoR graduate and I totally with you!
I also agree that they should have a balanced selection of speakers. But isn't UofR a *liberal* arts college? That might explain the bias.
Maybe you're being sarcastic, Malachi, but in case you're not, you should know that the term "liberal arts" has nothing to do with political liberalism (either classical or modern). It refers to a classical education--typically one centering on literature, languages, history, philosophy, and similar matters. This is in contrast to a more practical education--either in a trade or in something like business or marketing.
The idea of a liberal arts education is to be so general as to enhance one's performance in any career. The thought is that if one is too specific in their education, it will eventually lose its value. Think to technology, for instance. If a student earns a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, much of the degree will be valueless 20 years into the future because of changes in the field. Add to that, 20 years into the future, the student will likely be in more of a management role, where computer science would be less useful.
By studying the liberal arts, the student will be better prepared for that period of time 20 years in the future. Liberal arts proponents tend to advocate shorter, vocational or on-the-job training for the specific technical skills that might be needed in a job, as opposed to receiving one's 4-year degree in a particular field.
So to sum it up: Liberal arts does not equal modern political liberal.