Republican demands state colleges hire, promote white supremacists and communists if they are qualified

by David Safier

In a push for greater "plurality of methodologies and perspectives in Arizona's colleges and universities," Gilbert Republican Tom Forese has introduced HB 2770 to assure that "a university or community college shall not hire, fire or deny promotion or tenure to any faculty member on the basis of that faculty member's political or religious beliefs."

Frankly, I'm surprised by the liberality of the bill. That means Forese would cheer the hiring and promotion of an avowed Stalinist if that person was determined to be the most qualified for the job. Likewise a white supremacist (JT Ready, time to dust off your resume). Likewise a Muslim who believes violent jihad is sometimes appropriate.

I must admit, I'm overstating Forese's position a bit. He's concerned political and religious conservatives are passed over for hiring and promotion in Arizona's institutions of higher education. But since he can't write a "hire political and religious conservatives" bill, the bill's umbrella is spread wide. Forese didn't comment on the possibility people whose views he might despise would be able to sue state colleges for discrimination if they weren't hired.

My two favorite parts of the Howie Fischer article on the topic:

• Forese couldn't find any faculty to testify about discrimination directed against them because of their beliefs. The reason? "'They would never testify,' he said, because they feel the need to keep their beliefs secret to protect their careers." Interesting. Brave people often step forward to advocate for what they believe is right, regardless of the personal consequences. Forese couldn't find one brave Christian conservative soul to testify, even knowing the supermajority of the state legislature would have his/her back if there were any retribution?
• Democrat Tom Chabin, tongue firmly in cheek, said he too has heard people complain about religious or political discrimination at colleges. He followed with, "The few times I've looked into something, I've often found it was due to their own paranoia,"