Letter to the Editor

Professors should reflect diversity

The editorial, “Professor bias doesn’t always hinder
learning” (Feb. 4), makes a good case for establishing a
relationship of mutual respect between professors and students, and
for making UCLA a safe place for the free interchange of ideas.

The editorial also makes a point that it is not productive for
professors to pretend to be neutral or unbiased about the research
they present in class, and that it does not necessarily inhibit
them from establishing a productive, diverse learning environment.
I am sure there are many professors who try to maintain such an
environment in their class for their students. However given the
emphasis on “diversity” on campus, I wonder if the lack
of access to a “politically diverse” faculty in fields
such as political science, sociology, history, public policy and
the like is one of the biggest hindrances to a well-rounded
education for students.

I imagine that having a more balanced representation of all
political ideologies within the faculty, and in the classes and
content offered, would offer great intellectual enrichment for
those who seek to learn first-hand about all ideological
perspectives in this remarkable academic environment.

Jim McGlynn UCLA staff member