IFI Responds to the Tribune’s Sheawn Healy

Once again another academic frets over the rare occasion of a school district acquiescing to the concerns of taxpayers who are tired of funding the efforts of “social justice” teachers to use public money to advance their particular socio-political ideology. Chicago Tribune columnist Shawn Healy claims that “academic freedom is truly under attack” because Naperville North High School rescinded an invitation to the foul-mouthed, former domestic terrorist, capitalism-hating, “social justice” proponent Bill Ayers.

Academic freedom conventionally and properly understood refers to the right of college professors to conduct research free from government interference. It does not suggest a right of high school teachers to use their classroom and public funds to advance their moral, social, or political visions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Naperville North teacher who invited Ayers has a history of doing just that.