New College's 'Freedom Institute' must walk its lofty talk
As a Florida citizen, I'm thrilled to learn New College of Florida is requesting $2 million of taxpayer funds to create a “Freedom Institute.” I applaud the New College Board of Trustees' stated desire for the Freedom Institute to “engage the college’s students, the greater Florida community and the world to promote freedom of inquiry and champion tolerance of civil discourse among those of opposing views."
According to the board's recent minutes, the Freedom Institute will ensure New College becomes a true marketplace of ideas, where students can explore “the great reaches of everything.” And New College Interim President Richard Corcoran has stated the Freedom Institute is urgently needed because “right now there is a tremendous cancel culture that is existing in higher ed.”
Here, then, is my letter of application for one of the two research fellow positions that will “provide the primary scholarly support for the Institute’s efforts.” I have a Ph. D. from Duke University and was ranked in the top 1.5% of faculty in the world in my area of research. Unequivocally, my credentials qualify me for the position.
Throughout my 42 years as a professor in higher education I have championed the core values promoted by the Freedom Institute. I have always believed the only way to discover the truth is through civil discourse among those with opposing views. Students must be exposed to the plethora of ideas – many of which they may not know about, much less support. I believe campuses must be “idea buffets” that allow students to taste the flavors of the world, but also enable them to choose what they most want to consume.
Now here is the rub:
The course I wish to teach will explore how race and racism have shaped the institutional and cultural arrangements within the United States since its founding. The readings will also investigate what it means to be a Black person in a racially stratified society. Furthermore, students will survey the dynamics of racial discrimination: For example, a recent audit study in Chicago found that employers would rather hire a white male with a felony record than a nonoffender Black male. In addition, students will learn the arguments for and against affirmative action.
In short, the course readings will explore whether racism within the United States is systemic.
It is my hope that the Freedom Institute will “walk its talk.” That is, that the Freedom Institute will not “cancel” hiring me. Indeed, hiring me will truly show that the Freedom Institute champions the free market of ideas. And by hiring me, the institute will prove that it is not indoctrinating its students.
I say let freedom ring throughout New College!
Currently New College is encouraging students to enroll because it will field sports teams coupled with new athletic facilities. Of course, my course on race and racism will fit perfectly with New College becoming a “jock” school. It will explore how racism has been systemic within sports (e.g., baseball's “Negro League” era, the racial disparity in NFL coaches, etc.) and how Black athletes have literally risked their lives to undo racism (e.g., Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball's color line). I believe that learning about these revolutionary Black athletes will be a source of inspiration for students.
In conclusion, I believe that whether I am hired will serve as the perfect test: It will determine whether New College and its proposed Freedom Institute offer “the nation’s premiere free speech and free inquiry programs” or whether they are just façades masquerading their true intent of indoctrinating students by canceling opposing views.
James Unnever is a noted criminologist who was an educator for more than 40 years, including 15 as a professor of criminology at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. He resides in Sarasota.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New College's Freedom Institute must back up talk on embracing ideas
