The Democratic governor of Virginia and the top Republican in that state’s Senate recently agreed on a tax hike to prop up the Old Dominion’s colleges and universities that may turn out to be a multi-billion dollar mistake.
Now creative and rebellious conservatives are the ones accosting the “Establishment” and they’ve spearheaded the launch of some 95 new “alternative” newspapers and magazines on college and university campuses in the U.S.
Campus conservatives come from every walk of life. The money-hungry, nerdy stereotype of Alex P. Keaton, depicted by actor Michael J. Fox on the popular 80s sitcom “Family Ties,” has never been less germane than it is today.
Colleges and universities are supposed to teach students, opening their minds and getting them to think critically about the world around them. Often they do, but not always.
Colleges celebrate the notion that their campuses are a forum for the free expression of ideas. Now while that be a noble goal, from all appearances, that seems to be far from reality today.
Texas A & M is something of a novelty in academia. The university’s president, Robert M. Gates, is one of the rare retired cabinet officials from a Republican presidential administration to hold a decisive academic position.
