It appears as if at least one legislator in Arizona doesn’t think David Horowitz’s “Academic Bill of Rights” deserves only to be mocked and dismissed – rather, he thinks it is such a good idea that it ought to be turned into law:
To muzzle instructors who champion political views in classrooms, a Republican state legislator has proposed a law that would punish public school teachers and professors for not being impartial in the classroom.
If the idea were to become law, teachers said they might shy away from teaching controversial issues out of fear of being misunderstood and punished.
Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert, wrote the bill that has drawn a stream of criticism and support since it received preliminary approval in a Senate committee this month.
…
Verschoor said his bill would protect students who are afraid to clash with instructors.
“This is absolutely about academic freedom. It allows students to practice their First Amendment right without fear of a poor grade because of it or any retaliation because they disagree with the instructor,” Verschoor said during a recent Senate committee hearing.
