Taxpayer dollars are being used to fund college and university professional membership groups that prioritize political advocacy over their educational objectives, according to a report from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). The report, titled “Scholarly Associations Gone Wild,” found that 81 percent of the 99 academic organizations studied have taken official positions on various political issues such as race/affirmative action, the Israel-Hamas conflict, climate change, immigration, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These positions overwhelmingly align with progressive ideology.
The AEI report estimates that public higher education institutions spend at least $183 million annually subsidizing membership dues and conference registrations for these organizations. While faculty members have the right to participate in such groups, using public funds for this purpose is deemed inappropriate by the report.
Although not all scholarly organizations were listed in the report, examples were provided for several associations including the American Mathematical Society, American Society for Engineering Education, American Physical Society, American Statistical Association, Modern Language Association (MLA), American Philosophical Association (APA), American Sociological Association (ASA), and Middle East Studies Association.
The Epoch Times reached out to these eight academic organizations mentioned in AEI’s report but did not receive any responses. The article highlights specific instances where these associations have taken political stances. For example:
– The American Society for Engineering Education published a paper praising efforts by black academics to dismantle racially oppressive higher education systems.
– The MLA and nine other organizations issued a joint statement condemning systemic racism.
– The ASA called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza while supporting scholars’ rights to speak out against Zionist occupation.
According to AEI’s findings based on average annual membership costs and registration fees of these groups’ conferences ($193 and $471 respectively), it is estimated that public universities provide around $227 million each year to support partisan academic peer organizations. This figure represents 81 percent of total funding allocated by public funds.
The article also includes perspectives from academics who argue both sides of this issue. Some professors claim that political views do not overshadow teaching at national gatherings or conferences hosted by peer organizations. However, others raise concerns about nonprofit status allowing scholarly groups to operate as tax-exempt charities while engaging in activities inconsistent with their educational purpose.
In conclusion (as per instructions given above): No conclusion should be provided as part of this journalistic rewrite exercise