PHOENIX
Conservative state lawmakers are targeting what they see as left-leaning university professors, pushing a series of bills in recent and upcoming sessions designed to ensure that students are not unduly influenced by professors’ beliefs.
The push has raised concerns among the academic community about academic freedom, with many worried the push will put legislators and administrators in charge of the college classroom.
Conservative lawmakers have floated or are planning a host of proposals. Some laws would require alternative assignments or restrict would students could be required to read. Another law would mandate that alternative viewpoints be included in social science classes.
Among the proposals was a bill that failed in the last legislative session allowing students to refuse assignments they find sexually offensive. The Arizona board of regents reacted by passing a resolution supporting academic freedom but requiring advance notice to students of a course’s content.
Another bill that did pass required American flags and the U.S. Constitution to be displayed in all classrooms.
