Ethics and schools

[golfgal]

No, that is not at all what is happening. Words are being thrown out which will intentionally close this thread. I'm not a fool , in fact, just reported it myself.

So sad.

Um, ok, where?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

No, that is not at all what is happening. Words are being thrown out which will intentionally close this thread. I'm not a fool , in fact, just reported it myself.

So sad.

I was not intentionally trying to close the thread but making a valid point.

 

[Planogirl]

I wish that I understood what the subject is. It's too vague for me to comment. Except to say that I suspect that this has to do with a some belief that doesn't set well with the OP.

I do wish that schools would stay out of politics as much as possible but it isn't likely to happen.

 

[golfgal]

No, this is about ethics

It is some things should be examined as ethical or not. When ethics is involved broader questions are more important than the fine points, no more and no less. The purpose of ethics is to consider the ramifications of allowing perspectives into particular issues and how the particulars can cloud judgement.

ONCE again, specific examples please. "Ethics" are issue in every single walk of life, occupation, course of study....


I think your real issue is that you know that the majority of the people will disagree with your viewpoint, right?

 

[LuvOrlando]

You are also assuming that since it's a public university, most of the funds are contributed from the state. I live in MI and work in a public university and right now only 20% of our funding comes from the state, and that percent drops every year. As long as the state gives us $1, our university will be considered a "public" university (or unless a vote is taken to change the state constitution). Public universities exist so people get a well rounded education. You may not agree with what is being taught, but that doens't mean it shouldn't be taught. I'd be more upset if a private university (that I chose to send my child too) was teaching something that I didn't ethically agree with.

No, that's not quite what I'm saying. I'm not even looking at what is being taught. Kids should get a healthy dose of different ideologies in different classes. What I am talking about is far more insidious. I am saying the practice tarnishes the institutions image as open.

 

[Wishing on a star]

While I do believe that public education is definitely a bastion of secular liberality, and that the educational and liberal powers that be DO use this as a tool to influence young people and our society... I could not speak to the OP's complaint unless I saw the supposed example that there were, indeed, direct funding (diversion of public funds) to any particular ideological political or religious organization.

It also occurs that the OP's very defensive and negative outcry (including reporting to mods to try go gain censorship) against anyone here who may disagree with her complaint is a direct illustration of why she may have such an outcry against support of any opinions that differ from hers at a college or university....

 

[golfgal]

No, that's not quite what I'm saying. I'm not even looking at what is being taught. Kids should get a healthy dose of different ideologies in different classes. What I am talking about is far more insidious. I am saying the practice tarnishes the institutions image as open.

In your opinion-what about the rest of the world's opinion???

 

[LuvOrlando]

In your opinion-what about the rest of the world's opinion???

I am interested in other opinions as long as they get the question. I keep getting pulled off on different tangents nor related to the original question, which is why I keep posting.
I'd like to hear, I think it is ethical because .....

 

[Wishing on a star]

OP, until you give us an example of what you see as such insidious wrongdoing, I don't think you are going to sway any opinions here.

Why not tell us exactly what you feel is going on????????

 

[The Mystery Machine]

That is what makes going to a university awesome. You get to go and see another viewpoint upclose.

With politics, it is good to see the other side to be informed. You don't have to like it but staying in the dark no matter what side you are on, isn't good either.

 

[beck0321]

I do wish that schools would stay out of politics as much as possible but it isn't likely to happen.

But why? Politics is a very interesting subject. Students should learn the history and ideas behind them, especially if they are interested in a career in politics. Also, there is more to the world of politics beside Democrat and Republican, and it's important subject matter (even if just for the history of it all).

 

[LuvOrlando]

Well yes Mystery Machine, on that particular wording from post #38 I agree, but if the university itself is biased... that changes the dynamic.

 

[LuvOrlando]

But why? Politics is a very interesting subject. Students should learn the history and ideas behind them, especially if they are interested in a career in politics. Also, there is more to the world of politics beside Democrat and Republican, and it's important subject matter (even if just for the history of it all).

I took many Poly Sci classes and the one thing my Professors were very careful to NOT do was subscribe anything more to the discussion that cognitive analysis. We looked at history, at evolution of thought, at behaviors because Poly Sci is a Social Science, at the law and how we govern ourselves, organizational structures and fundamental belief systems at play... at what worked and what didn't.

It's one thing when you look in as an observer because then you can be analytical, it's quite another when you jump in as a participant.

Do you see where I see the ethical dilemma?

 

[FireDancer]

Well yes, but if the university itself is biased... that changes the dynamic.

Any institution, public or private, will have a bias. Some will lean liberal and some conservative and I have no problem with that, even if they get some public funding. Even a public University gets non-public funds....like tuition.

I'm not even catholic but I would not car, for example, if my public University had the Pope come and speak. Not because they are promoting his view as the only valid one but because he is an important person.

If this is about Palin speaking at a school I definitely see absolutely nothing wrong with having her come speak. Having a particular political person isn't showing bias or promoting that politicians agenda, it is having someone come and speak...full stop.

Without knowing the specifics the OP is useless. There is no boiler plate for ethics, it is case by case and we need the case.

 

[Wishing on a star]

PS: Just to throw this out there... I see absolutely no problem with Sarah Palin, or any other public speaker, being brought in as a fundraiser for the college, scholorships, etc...

This event was not pawned off on students... It is a fundraiser where anybody who personally wished could choose to pay the required contribution to attend... So what?????

It is ridiculous to even begin to think that the persons who are allowed to speak should ONLY be what I, or YOU, as individuals agree with.

To censor based on one individuals opinions is JUST as bad as promoting only what is supported by one individual opinion....

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well yes, but if the university itself is biased... that changes the dynamic.

Obviously. That is why my children will not go to a private religious college or a public university that is known as heavily Christian. And we do have to watch since a lot of colleges here are in the bible belt.

Hopefully your dd makes the right match for herself.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

I think it does.

The issue is "Is it ethical for a Public University to divert public funds to a particular philosophy?" The who is irrelevant so specifics are un-necessary and if anything, detract from the point.

The thing is how can you find a niche if one way of seeing the world is formally preferred in this manner? If one way is preferred, then another is deselected... it is the fundamental nature of making a choice.

I am not sure where your posts are going, but I will take a stab at it.

One of my children is attending a public university with a strong liberal bend to it. It was one of the reasons it was selected after narrowing down the excellent programs in the field chosen. However, just because it leans towards liberal, there is also a large and very active conservative population there too.

The wonderful thing about universities is that the students are all young adults. It is not an elementary school populated with young, naive students who believe their teachers are all knowing. These young adults are naturally curious and tend to debate anything and everything. Just remember your campus days. Sharing of ideas happened constantly in dorms, dining halls and classrooms. Lively discussions are the hallmark of universities. That is why it is called "Higher Learning."

In class, if there was a professor that was only presenting one side of things and "deselecting" as you say, some other information, you bet there will be questions and discussion about the deselected information. Again, these are young adults in college, not an elementary school.

It is true though, that universities and colleges with certain philosophies, and they all have their particular philosophies, tend to attract like minded students. It is all part of the selection process. That is why you visit schools, not just for the academics, but also to see if the university is a good fit overall for you.

So, no, I have absolutely no problems with a public university having a particular philosophy. If you don't like the university's philosophy, then don't apply there.

I also feel that once my child hits college age, they are their own adult and should form their own beliefs and values. I would hope that I did my job the past 18 years in instilling the values we believe in, but if they want to go down a different path, then that is for them to decide. It is their life afterall.

I definitely am not scared of any university brainwashing my child, no matter what their philosophy.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Obviously. That is why my children will not go to a private religious college or a public university that is known as heavily Christian. And we do have to watch since a lot of colleges here are in the bible belt.

Hopefully your dd makes the right match for herself.

I've got 2 kids and they can go where they wish, more or less, as long as the institution is more interested in exposing them than molding them. This is why I loved going to CUNY and living in NYC, but exposure is different. There is no undercurrent in exposure, it's natural. This is not what I am talking about.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Sorry, OP....

Everyone here HAS said why they think it is ethical...
Because, university should be an open forum....

Still not telling specifically what you are referring to?????
Just throwing around general words like 'bias'.

Really you need to give us some example of how 'public funds' have been directly diverted/issued towards something so insidious.

 

[Wishing on a star]

What I am talking about is far more insidious. I am saying the practice tarnishes the institutions image as open.

What practice?