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Academic Freedom, Horrible, Horrible, Freedom

By Armen

Predictably, there's some discussion going around in the moonbeam circles about firing Prof. Yoo. Prof. Leiter's reaction is exactly where mine is. Prof. Lederman is a bit more reserved, but offers a great perspective as a former OLC lawyer and current academic (and prolific and insightful blogger). You can also read Dean Edley's memo on the matter at Prof. Lederman's post.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love being a liberal, but I hate liberals. If you're for freedom and justice, then that includes academic freedom where the exchange of ideas, even ones you disagree with, is a virtue. That Dean Edley had to articulate the basis for protecting tenure is a tragedy in and of itself. If you don't think that the United States should be torturing anyone, vote, donate, do something in November. If you think we should be torturing, stay home. But attacking one of the most sacred rights makes you look foolish and makes the job of those who agree with your views all that harder.

Full post as published by Nuts & Boalts on April 11, 2008 (boomark / email).