An lesson for the real world: Question authority

American universities are modeled on the principles of the scientific method whereby ideas are carefully and objectively evaluated on the basis of their merit. This model applies not just to the hard sciences, but to social sciences and humanities as well. In this respected egalitarian system, it doesn't matter who you are - president, professor, or person on the street. Ideas are not judged based on authority, on who puts them forward. In this system it is imperative that we evaluate ideas on the basis of merit and question authority.

American universities are imbedded in the American ideal of free speech. Each American citizen has not only the right, but the duty to vote, express opinions, evaluate ideas, and assess our leaders. In this system it is imperative that we question authority.

On May 9, letter-writer Paul Bradford Sr. accused college professors like Dr. Frank Glamser and Dr. Gary Stringer of disputing some vague and unstated university policy. What policy? These college professors, and many who support them have not placed themselves above any university policy. Rather, Drs. Glamser and Stringer, representing AAUP-USM, were doing their jobs, working within university policy and questioning authority.

Even in the world of industry we have questioned the bosses at WorldCom and Enron, among others. Should employees there not have stepped forward simply because they weren't the bosses?

Universities like USM that provide a liberal arts core curriculum in addition to specific "job skills," train American citizens to think critically and evaluate ideas based on their merit. College professors who are doing their jobs encourage students to question authority and become good, American citizens. I can't think of a better way to prepare students for the real world!

AMY L. YOUNG,
associate professor

Department of Anthropology and

Sociology, The University of

Southern Mississippi