In a recent audio recording released by the Young America Foundation, Dr. Carl Blair, a history and anthropology professor at Michigan Technological University, strongly disapproves and insults the university’s YAF chapter. Here’s the full story.
The Reason
The controversial remarks were made following the YAF’s Freedom Week project, which involved constructing a mock Berlin Wall on campus to commemorate the anniversary of its fall.
Childish and Stupid
Blair said, “For those of you who weren’t aware of it [YAF’s Freedom Week activism project], good. For those of you who were aware of it, it was childish, stupid, homophobic, dumb, racist twits. That’s the polite version.”
Freedom of Speech
He claimed that some faculty members are hoping for the group’s censorship to portray themselves as victims of speech restrictions.
Blair said, “Because there are, quite bluntly, certain faculty members who are hoping… the students will be censored for this. Because then they can go off and say and pretend, ‘Oh, we’re victims, you’re restricting our, you know, freedom of speech, we should have, we have a constitutional right to be insulting, violent and threatening. How dare you restrict our speech?’”
Replica of the Berlin Wall
The YAF’s Freedom Week activism project involved creating a replica of the Berlin Wall, an iconic symbol of the Cold War, to mark the 34th anniversary of its fall.
The project, intended to spark dialogue, instead drew strong condemnation from Professor Blair.
Really Bad Taste
The professor expressed his disdain for the activism, calling it wrong, tacky, and in bad taste.
Blair said, “Strictly speaking, they’re right. They didn’t target a single student, just groups. It was wrong, it was tacky, it’s not illegal – what they did. Stupid, uncollegial, really bad taste and it shows what a bunch of yin-yangs they are. You know, it’s too bad you all have to deal with things like that. Wasted half my morning dealing with things like that. It’s annoying.”
That’s Not What College Should Be About
At the end of the audio, Blair said, “That’s not what college should be about. You know, it should be a place where you could learn, experience, do interesting things, have interesting opportunities – hint, hint, study away – uh, rather than wasting your time and having to address idiots. They’re idiots out there. Sorry, that’s life.”
The Vandalism
In response to the incident, YAF released additional footage showing a protester vandalizing and tearing down the mock Berlin Wall while berating the group.
The act of vandalism was condemned by the YAF, emphasizing its commitment to free speech and civil conversation on diverse topics.
Stand By My Words
YAF’s magazine publication, “The New Guard,” contacted Professor Blair for comment.
He replied, “I stand by my words, and I have nothing else to say to you.”
Environment of Respect and Civility
When another Fox News contacted Michigan Tech for comment, a university spokesperson said, “As a flagship technological university with a strong research focus, Michigan Tech vigorously supports freedom of speech and academic freedom. We follow the Chicago Principles in this manner. With this, we expect an environment of respect and civility, even more so within our classrooms.”
Twitter Users Expressed Their Views
Several online users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One user wrote, “He should try being a unifying peacemaker. Instead, he’s just a life troublemaker and divider. And he’s a “teacher.” What a world.”
Leave Their Soap Box at Home
Another user added, “These so-called professors need to just teach the required material and leave their soap box at home! Their personal opinions have no place in the classroom! Fire him!”
Professor Needs to Be Fined
A third user commented, “That professor needs to be fined, his online accounts reviewed and fired regardless of tenure! Then Michigan Tech needs to be fined heavily and lose all government funding!”
The post Dr. Carl Blair Condemns YAF’s Freedom Week Project at Michigan Technological University first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
