ACU is located in the buckle of the Bible belt, in a “red” state, and most of the student population comes from conservative households. But diversity does exist when it comes to the political preferences of the professors on campus who identify themselves as Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and some that choose no political affiliation. A politically diverse faculty produces a dynamic learning environment beneficial to higher education and student development.
In the Learning Covenant set forth by the university, diversity is encouraged and the faculty accepts the challenge to create a respectful environment.
A particular professor’s political preferences may or may not be known to a student. Professors who are Democrats don’t declare the donkey as their favorite animal, and those who are Republicans don’t dress up like elephants for Opening Chapel, but any professors’ political views-red, blue or otherwise-can and more than likely will filter into their teaching methods and philosophies.
For example, Libertarians are specifically interested in the liberty of the individual person, with minimal governmental influence, unless the behavior of the individual harms another citizen. Dr. Cole Bennett, assistant professor of English and a Libertarian, said a professor who is a Libertarian would focus on each individual’s choices and freedoms in the classroom. As a Libertarian who is a Christian, Bennett said a professor also would encourage the integration of the individual student’s Christianity with views on such policies because of the student’s own decision of adopting a moral code to live by. Libertarians keep politics separate from their moral values.
Social and civil justices are key issues for the Democratic Party. In the classroom of a Democratic professor, students might face questions on how their field of study can affect justice in our nation and the world. Being a Democrat does not necessarily make a professor pro-choice, pro-homosexual marriage or anti-war, as many people might generalize, though some may be. Dr. William Rankin, assistant professor of English, said Christian professors at ACU affiliated with the Democratic Party feel compelled by scriptures such as those in James and specifically the Sermon on the Mount, which call us to take care of those in need-the widows and orphans, offer help for those who cannot help themselves and offer a voice to the voiceless.
Dr. Neal Coates, assistant professor of Political Science, said security and order are important to Republicans. The American Foreign Policy course taught at ACU, focuses not only on economic and diplomatic strength, but also the military and its strengths.
Professors at ACU teach because of their beliefs. Political diversity compels students to think critically, question their established beliefs and recognize the issues of a global society we soon will enter. Through the respect of each other’s beliefs, we have a faculty who can enrich our lives with their diversity and prepare us to maintain open-minded and eager attitudes toward those we encounter.
