Delaware Association of Scholars Denounces University of Delaware Reeducation Program

Yesterday, the Delaware Association of Scholars (DAS) joined FIRE in denouncing the egregious program of thought reform at the University of Delaware.

Extreme by any measure, the program is an out-and-out assault on the individual liberty, dignity, privacy and autonomy of UD students. It is tyranny disguised as citizenship education.

DAS makes the same point that FIRE made yesterday:

While such a program would be very problematic on any campus, it is also unlawful and unconstitutional at a public university. A public university is required by law and the Constitution to respect the constitutional rights of its students. No public university may permit, let alone actively engage in, the violation of its students’ basic rights.

DAS joins FIRE in calling for the immediate and complete elimination of the Residence Life “education” program. No mere reduction in its scope or activities will do.

In its conclusion, DAS thanks those students and staff who were responsible for gathering the information about the program and turning it over to organizations such as DAS and FIRE. Indeed, as Greg says above, students, faculty, and concerned citizens are essential to pressuring wayward universities into doing the right thing. We encourage our readers to join the growing outrage, contact University of Delaware President Patrick Harker and Director of Residence Life Kathleen Kerr, and demand that they respect the human dignity and individual liberty of their students.