Why responsible educators must forget objectivity, speak their minds

Is it always the role of the educator to remain objective? Are there times when educators should express their opinions? Situations of hate speech are obvious examples where intervention is required. But what about more subtle situations? What about when world events impact students? I hear it said, "Educators should remain objective, allow students to draw their own conclusions; it is inappropriate for faculty to share their beliefs."

It’s funny, we don’t say that about course topics. If, in a course on psychotherapy, a student said psychotherapy is a sham, I wouldn’t remain neutral. I would present my evidence of the efficacy of psychotherapy. Yet when world events take place, I am expected to maintain objectivity.

Faculty fear the repercussions of speaking up; it’s too risky. Indeed, faculty have been lambasted, or worse — fired. State laws restrict discussion of topics, including an Ohio law preventing faculty from “indoctrination.” I am not advocating "indoctrination" — that goes against the ideals of education, but these laws serve to silence faculty through fear.

And what harm comes from not speaking? When we are silent — we communicate volumes. We communicate that we do not care. We communicate that we are not informed. We communicate that we agree with what is happening. None of this may be true, but our silence allows for students to draw conclusions, and that impact causes real harm.

There are daily happenings that warrant comment. In our current political climate, where immigrants or people presumed to be immigrants are rounded up and placed in detention centers, students and communities are impacted. There are students who support these actions, but many who do not, and many who are directly impacted — living in fear that they or their loved ones could be next. What is my role as faculty? Do I keep silent because this isn’t the focus of my class? Do I foster discussion, but maintain objectivity to allow for both sides of the debate?

I argue that faculty have a responsibility not to be objective; that it is harmful to be neutral or to stay silent. Our students come to university to learn, grow and be challenged. We have a responsibility to foster critical thinking, evidence-based debate AND empathy and compassion. It is risky, yes, but it is a risk that shows we value and care for our students. It is a risk that we must take.

Leah S. Horvath, associate professor, National Louis University, Lake View

Not enamored with ICE agents

The only good masked person carrying a gun I knew was the Lone Ranger. It's interesting to me that there are so many violent criminals and drug dealers working in farm fields and restaurant kitchens. Just saying.

Tom Marren, Beverly