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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2009 > February > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUPDATED THROUGHOUT: Lawmaker rails against university sex experts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rep. Charlice Byrd (R-Woodstock) took to the floor of the House on Friday to blister state universities who “offer such special-interest classes and expertise on male prostitution, queer theory, oral sex.”
Byrd’s criticism comes days after Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Canton) specifically singled out Georgia State University, which includes in its 2009 media experts guide professors and instructors knowledgeable about those subjects. Hill originally believed GSU offered classes in those subjects, but later realized that was incorrect.
“Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you have heard me right,” Byrd said. “In this present economy, the taxpayers’ dollars are being used by the Board of Regents to inform students about such social topics. The universities in this state are to prepare an opportunity for higher education, not studies on controversial issues.”
Byrd said the state and its taxpayers should have not shoulder the cost of funding these professors’ jobs or their work. That cost, she said, should be paid “by the student who has interest in such courses.”
But a GSU spokeswoman said higher education has broad missions.
“University researchers study everything from cancer to corporate finance for the good of the public,” Andrea Jones said. “Teaching courses in criminal justice, for example, does not mean that our students are being prepared to become criminals. Quite the opposite. Legitimate research and teaching are central to the development of relevant and effective policy. The argument to limit or eliminate certain areas of research and education is flawed.”
After the House adjourned, Byrd was asked who should be the arbiter of what classes or subjects are appropriate to be taught at public colleges and universities.
“Certainly, if legislators are to dole out dollars for funding, we should have a say in these kinds of courses,” Byrd said.
Byrd said she has contacted the Georgia Christian Coalition and the Georgia Baptist Convention to rally support for ridding the system of these kinds of topics.
But Hill said the Board of Regents and the universities themselves do and should control what subjects and issues they teach. Still, he said, “they need to get rid of these frivolous classes” and get back to their core mission of educating students and preparing them for the workforce.
With lawmakers now considering a state budget that must absorb billions of dollars in cuts, “I believe the timing is perfect to eliminate positions, of professors and staff who are paid to provide such services,” Byrd said. “I am sure many of you share my disgust and outrage at how taxpayers’ dollars are being spent by our universities.”
As Byrd left the well of the House, a few lawmakers clapped.
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By GSU Alum
February 6, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Why am I not surprised that Republican lawmakers from suburban areas are railing against such topics and aiming their diatribes solely at Georgia State?