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Is there any way to find a list of good colleges that haven't been totally corrupted by radical left wing activists? My son has the qualifications to get into any school, but I've decided not to throw out all my years of "values teaching" by allowing him exposure to the Borg of the "elite" schools. We'd like to get him back after several years with his soul intact.

By Roger (Roger) on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 04:42 pm: Edit

Actually, Allison, there exists exactly the reference you are looking for - The National Review College Guide: America's Top 50 Liberal Arts Schools by Sykes. It reviews colleges from a politically conservative perspective. I think the only colleges in the current USNews top 20 or so that make the conservative cut are Columbia, Chicago, and Notre Dame. Most of the Ivies are relegated to the book's "Academic Gulag". Unfortunately, I think the most recent revision is nine years old, but you can probably still track down a copy.

By Allison Payton on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 06:08 pm: Edit

Thanks, Roger. I'll look for it.

By Roger (Roger) on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 07:29 pm: Edit

Glad to help, Allison. One thing to note - students have a tendency to go their own way. Columbia, for example, has had a fairly conservative administration, but has a more liberal student body. Dartmouth has a reputation for being liberal, but has many conservative students.

In addition, in any given school environment, there are likely to be a wide range of viewpoints represented.

Overall, I think you'd be surprised at how assertive individual students can be when their views are challenged, whether it's a faculty member or fellow student. The image of confused students being brainwashed by scheming profs just isn't reality in most cases.

If you are looking for a school that does offer an antidote to relativism, I'd take a look at Notre Dame. It's a school that students seem to love and bond with, but also a school that does still have a moral compass. By that I don't mean religious indoctrination, but rather a commitment to service and solid values.

By Allison Payton on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 08:13 pm: Edit

Sounds good to me, and thanks twice! I understand most students aren't "of a piece", but my objections are to those administrations who put up with really off the wall instructors, and (in the name of diversity and tolerance) encourage, if not actively work for, the dissolution of all moral values.

By bleh on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 12:34 am: Edit

Yeah, I wouldn't call Columbia conservative at all. The people seem ready to join an anti-globalisation protest any minute. In 1969 the student body actually rioted and took over the school to thwart the administration's plans to build a gym in a local park.

By anonj on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 07:22 pm: Edit

Someone on the "other board" posted this link:
http://www.collegeguide.org/choosing/colleges/

Maybe it's the same one the others here are referencing. Conservative analyses.

By godfather on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 08:59 am: Edit

William Bennet's [?] book describes 100 Colleges that teach virtue and moral fiber- at most book stores and some libraries. Mixture of big names and more hidden gems, tan cover.

By Dadster on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 09:44 pm: Edit

Peterson's has a book about Christian Colleges. That focus might be a little different, but might have some conservative overlap.

By Sally R. on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 10:55 am: Edit

Wheaton College in Illinois might be worth a look, Allison. It has a very strong Christian focus, so, if this doesn't appeal to you, then cross it off the list. Average SATs and other stats at Wheaton make it a highly competitive school that attracts many strong students, which might be a plus for your son.

When you're doing your research, make sure you don't confuse this college with the Wheaton in Massacusetts, though you wouldn't be the first, if you did.

By Jesse on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 08:22 pm: Edit

Usually, religious affiliated universities are more on the conservative side because of the strong moral/biblical backbone of the university's founders/trustees...Hehe, Brandeis being an exception to that rule of course. Most schools in the central plains tend to be conservative as well, as most of their states lean toward the right. Many political and government scholars agree though that many students become more leftwing as they move on throughout schooling. So, if a student is becoming more liberal in college, they will most likely be even more so in graduate school, and so on. Until they reach the magical age of 65 and flip to the other side, Haha...hope some of this info helps!

By sad on Saturday, December 07, 2002 - 09:57 pm: Edit

Georgetown

By Advice on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 10:22 pm: Edit

University of Wisconsin Madison
Cornell University

Quit trying to brainwash your kid and let them decide who they want to be and what they want to believe for themselves.

By Zee on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 12:09 pm: Edit

By Allison Payton on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 07:13 pm: Edit

Sounds good to me, and thanks twice! I understand most students aren't "of a piece", but my objections are to those administrations who put up with really off the wall instructors, and (in the name of diversity and tolerance) encourage, if not actively work for, the dissolution of all moral values.


In his last post, Allison related "diversity" and "tolerance" with "the dissolution of all moral values". I don't see the connection, do you?

By BBB on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 07:46 pm: Edit

To be fair to Allison, he didn't criticize diversity or tolerance, but noted that what he considered outrageous behavior was permitted in the name of diversity and tolerance.

I guess it all depends on where you draw the line.

By Robert E. Crowe,Jr. on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 11:30 am: Edit

Davidson College!!!

By Admin (Admin) on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 12:50 pm: Edit

< posts not related to college discussion removed >

By My2cnts on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 11:13 pm: Edit

William & Mary
Wake Forest
Washington & Lee
College of Wooster
Davidson

By Diane on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 11:39 am: Edit

"Quit trying to brainwash your kid and let them decide who they want to be and what they want to believe for themselves."

It's a parent's responsibility to teach values and guide their children in a direction that's condusive to their ideals. That's not brainwashing. Nice try.

By Confucius on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 04:05 pm: Edit

Why don't you let him decide where to go. I'm sure the values you taught him will guide him well.

You can't protect him from the boogie man anymore. You won't have any control of him once he is off to college. So I suggest taht you put some faith in the your son's own moral judgement.

By OldDad on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 06:49 pm: Edit

College should be a place to be exposed to a host of new ideas, and it is a key step in the process of becoming an adult for those kids who are able to attend. While I would hesitate to send a student to a college where his/her beliefs are so unpopular as to be widely ridiculed, I would also hesitate to send a kid to a college where most students and faculty thought pretty much the same way. I'm moderately conservative politically, and I developed my conservative inclinations by arguing with left-leaning profs and students in college. (Had I attended a conservative college, who knows how I would have ended up? )

Parents often think that by keeping a kid in a controlled environment, they will produce an adult who retains their same values. Often, I think, the reverse happens - once the kid is finally in the "real" world, the values that were forced on him are discarded. Parents who have led the way by example rather than indoctrination have far less to worry about. Some percentage of kids go astray no matter what, but kids who have seen their family demonstrate a deep commitment to values are more likely to do the same.

I remember when I was a kid (looong ago!), my mother talked to me about smoking. The condensed version was something like, "I don't smoke, I think it's a bad and unhealthy habit. When you are 18, though, you can choose whether you want to smoke or not." I never felt any rebellious pressure to take up the habit, and, even decades later, never have. I think more parents need to take that approach to morals and values. I.e., explain their values and beliefs, and let the kid know he's going to have to develop his own moral code as he grows to adulthood. This may sound controversial to those with a rigid belief system, but I think this approach is more likely to meet with long-term success.

By aa on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 09:05 am: Edit

kids should realize, by their own, if they make a mistake. So let him decide if not if you make the wrong decision he'll blame you. Instead if he decided wrongly he'll learn from the mistake the KID made.

By D Wendell on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 02:23 pm: Edit

There are a number of good Catholic colleges that you might want to look into.

1. Franciscan University of Steubenville
2. Thomas Aquinas College
3. Ave Maria University
4. Christendom College

It is not brainwashing to want you child to learn the truth. Only those who don't believe in the truth consider it so!

By Steve Whipple on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 11:20 am: Edit

My son got a scholarship to an Ivy. He has been able to fill his schedule with excellent, conservative,(sometimes Christian),professors excluding a few of his "required courses". The left wing bias in these courses was blatant and, often,hostile. We don't worry about our son, but it can put a mild dent in your GPA when you run into one of these "blind guides".

By Drusba (Drusba) on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 02:14 pm: Edit

If you are looking for truly conservative, two off the top of my head are Brigham Young University in Utah (Mormon controlled), and Wheaton College in Wheaton IL (also mentioned above in a suburb north of Chicago; christian but non-denominational). To understand how conservative Wheaton is, it just recently made news in the Chicago area because it announced it would no longer prohibit its staff from smoking or drinking outside of the university -- it previously prohibited all staff (professors, labor workers etc.) from ever smoking or drinking period, and if they found out you did either at home you could be fired. The ban on campus and "anywhere around Wheaton students" off-campus remains. The change was made extremely reluctantly but had to be done because of the difficulty in finding professors and other employees who would comply with the policy.

By proud to be Mom on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 02:49 pm: Edit

Two "conservative" schools:

1) Hillsdale College in Michigan. A solidly conservative school with an emphasis on classical Western philosophy and history. Strong college community feel. Dorms are single sex. Non-denominational. Hillsdale was the second in the nation to grant four-year liberal arts degrees to women and was the first college charter to prohibit discrimination based on race, religion or sex. No government funding, so the school doesn't have government-imposed rules, either.

2) Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California. Very small school. One of the three schools in the nation recognized for the Great Books only curriculum (the other two are the St. John's campuses in MD and NM). I have personal experience with this one because our oldest is a sophomore at TAC. Strong Catholic community, but our son feels welcome there even though he's Evangelical Christian. Single sex dorms. School still has the "in loco parentis" (spelling?) concept, with the notion that while students are growing more independent, they may still need some wise direction and/or guidance. A dress code for classes and meals. Students are referred to in class as Mister or Miss (last name follows). Heavy, heavy emphasis on learning, and no emphasis on political correctness.

TAC provides a rigorous curriculum with no student taking less than 18 units per semester. Socratic method of teaching, with no class more than 18 students, period. Students are not coddled. They learn logic, to think and to express themselves accurately. Only degree given is a liberal arts. No grad school. No teaching assistants. 308 students. Third highest rate in nation of students going on to receive PhD from a four-year college. Accredited.

As parents, we're often asked what will our son "do" with a liberal arts degree. Our quick answer is, anything--or, if unmotivated, nothing. We'll see...in the meantime, when he returns home for breaks and sees his high school peers, he's struck by the stark contrast between his TAC education and the "modern" education they're receiving at various University of California campuses.

By Brocker (Brocker) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 02:01 pm: Edit

Brigham Young University.

By Marthpodi (Marthpodi) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 08:32 pm: Edit

So when do you plan on letting your son think for himself? Or do you plan on figuring where he will live/work/play for the rest of his life so he'll never actually have to decide for himself whether or not he agrees with you and your ideas?

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 12:39 am: Edit

Do a search for Thomas Sowell and you will come up with a conservative review of colleges that is fairly well written albeit froma very conservative standpoint.

While values are in the eye of the beholder, believing that good, community minded individuals such as my daughter and her friends are immoral simply because of their homosexuality is abhorent to me.
It is a shame that the conservative right has been marked with those who are bigots. I don't believe that being conservative means hate for those who are different although I haven't seen the right take a strong stand against the segments that are violent and unamerican.

While I know many people who are both religious and tolerant, I also know others who are intolerant and full of hate but consider themselves "good upstanding moral people".
College is the opportunity to develop your thinking by discussion with other adults who may or may not think identical to you.
I am reminded by the cliche of the preachers son, or the ministers daughter- generally the wildest one of the bunch
Controlling their environment after they are adults may backfire, while I want my daughter to feel safe at college, I also want her to be challenged, not just academically.

By Autodidact (Autodidact) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 01:44 am: Edit

"Virtues are learned at (a parent's) knee, vices at some other joint." If trying to encourage our children to be decent, respectful, and respectable human beings is a crime, I'm guilty as charged--and I'd rather be convicted of the necessity, than acquitted of the responsibility! Please don't try to inculpate of wrongdoing those who attempt to inculcate morals and values!

By Marthpodi (Marthpodi) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 12:25 pm: Edit

Go ahead and inculcate - there's no problem. But when it comes to becoming an adult (which most college freshman are or soon will be) and selecting a place for education, isn't it time to allow the child to decide for himself what kind of person he wants to be? Haven't you that much faith in your kids after 18 years of inculcating? also, why the assumption that students at a school that isn't hardcore right-wing conservative are going to be morally bankrupt? Making such a huge deal about that is insulting to your own parenting, your child's morals and nature, and decent people and school all over the country.

By Mike (Mike) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 06:45 pm: Edit

Mike's parents have taught him the values of sharing and caring and respectng others since he was born. We have exposed him to a variety of people's politics and beliefs as well as attendence at our church that he has continued after he had permission to make his own choise. His teachers are always telling us their pleasure at his behavior in school toward peers including Special ed kids who are often shunned by top students. I believe that he has absorbed his parents values and he will follow or not follow them now no matter what environment he lives in.

My Niece went to a large Liberal state University from a conservative Catholic background and remained an active member of a Catholic Church near the campus. Her HS boy freind attened a very conservative church college next door that had Friday night Prayer services for the kids at the State U. He was found one Sunday morning drunk as a skunk on the campus quad. People either have values or the don't and the environment will not make it happen.


I also am very offended by the suggestion "Liberal" means not having values. My Christian upbringing has done more to make me Liberal then my college ever did. I respect others rights to believe as they choose but I do not accept that anyone else has a right to insist their beliefs and values are superior to mine. For me Jesus is the ultimate Liberal and greatest example of doing unto others as he would have done to him.

Mike's dad

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:12 pm: Edit

I was just going to ignore this whole thread because it didn't seem worth my time. But I had to jump in and say "yes!" to Mike's dad. I'm with you, sir. Thanks for the post.

By Hautbois (Hautbois) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:15 pm: Edit

Hmmm. I don't know how I sent a dupicate post but I did. Typing this will clear that up, but of course now here's a totally meaningless post. My apologies, folks!

By Autodidact (Autodidact) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:34 pm: Edit

Mike's Dad: I agree with your statement about Christ being a liberal, but many won't. They need only look at the previous professions of those he chose to be his disciples for proof of the statement. The good Lord will not lead you where he can not keep you, Allison, so have faith.

By Dubiastic (Dubiastic) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 04:31 pm: Edit

Anything in the south. I am thankful that Bob Jones-styled schools and people stay there.

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 06:55 pm: Edit

Allison: you're right to be concerned. I was one of the more liberal students at my high school, but (and my political ideology has not changed), am one of the more conservative students at Tufts. There have been incidents on campus in which a conservative publication was stolen en masse, and the editor beaten up. One of my friends refused to say who she voted for in the 2000 election for fear (justifiably) of being called "stupid." A low point for the university came in the winter, when students found it appropriate to flip off, curse at, and hold and upside-down flag in the face of a grandfather, war veteran, and public servant because they disagreed with his political beliefs. (If any of you saw the riots when George HW Bush came to Tufts, you know what I'm talking about - it actually made national news.) Many "liberals" believe that their personal ideology is the only correct one. Unfortunately, that undermines the liberal thought of humanitarian respect and inclusivity. Debate is almost non-existent, as it involves disagreement and rationale, both hard to come in an institution which is 90% liberal and convinced that it is correct.

Regardless, it would be better for your son to attend any university which allows him to debate his morals, values, and beliefs and learn from other people. Close-mindedness exists on both sides of the moral and political spectrum. Look for an institution in which your son will be respected for his beliefs, whether he be in the majority or minority. It might be a good idea to talk to some students on campus. Good luck.

By T0fu (T0fu) on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 - 02:42 am: Edit

.

By O71394658 (O71394658) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 12:58 am: Edit

Man, I don't like to align myself along political ideologies, but I would probably, if forced, align myself with the conservatives. Considering the Repubican/Democrat issue, I just hate the fact that many Democrats will willingly believe any left-wing rhetoric thrown in their direction (i.e. Micheal Moore's "Bowling for Columbine." THE most blatantly hypocritical and falsified documentary in existance. Literally. Of course, this doesn't apply to all of them. But, I would consider myself more "anti-liberal" than "pro-conservative". Regarding the colleges, I would absolutely love to go to a hard-left school like Tufts. That would be a great thing to do.

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 01:18 pm: Edit

Tufts is liberal?
I always thought it was more middle of the road. There are many more conservatives in positions of power at Tufts than at other wanna be Ivy schools.
I agree with you about Michael Moore
I consider myself a liberal ( green/socialist perhaps) but he is just an ass
I don't know if it could be considered the most falsified documentary in existence ( it seems to be more of a propaganda film than a documentary similar tohttp://www.reefermadness.org/) but I think he took unfair advantage of Charlton Heston who apparently didn't realize what he was doing when he let him into his home

By Brd (Brd) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 02:27 pm: Edit

I would also describe my self as liberal. Somwhat out of necessity -- being gay I am left with few other options. (I am ever amused by conservatives who call for "less government!" except, evidently, in other people's bedrooms. But I digress.) I just wanted to point out that I also think Michael Moore is a smarmy opportunistic git.

Perhaps rhetoric is not as blindly accepted by the left as you have led yourself to believe. And when you consider the dearth of conservative demagogues with little cult followings, perhaps a more accurate assessment is that rhetoric is willingly swallowed by anyone who chooses not to think critically about information they encounter. Such people exist all over the political and ideological spectrum and are not the sole property of one side or another.

As for something that actually has to do with this thread, I think Ariesathena hit the nail on the head. Find a school where you can be respected whether your beliefs are in the minotity or the majority.

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 03:26 pm: Edit

Well there are gays who consider themselves conservative ya know. Some are in the closet but some are not and are politically active http://www.lcr.org/

But in general you are right, liberals seem to be more inclusive of differences than conservatives including the assumption that an adult has the freedom to choose their own partner ( as long as an adult) whether they be the same sex or not. How can you legislate who someone falls in love with?

By Njjunior (Njjunior) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 08:23 pm: Edit

As I am currently in the process of looking at colleges, my parents have left it up to me to decide what types of schools I feel that I will fit in at most. My high school is filled with liberal biases, from both the faculty and the students, and as a conservative I have come to enjoy the heated debates that can erupt from some of my comments. I hope I attend a school that has varying opinions and political views, my parents brought me up well and I will continue to uphold my values even if I attend the most liberal school in the country.

By Dadster (Dadster) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 08:34 pm: Edit

NJJunior, the good news is that just about every school has diversity of opinion. Certainly, some tend toward the conservative or liberal ends of the spectrum, but you'll find both like-minded friends and worthy opponents at almost every college. Good luck, and feel free to post here as you go through your college process!

By Mike (Mike) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 10:24 pm: Edit

My son attends a very conservative ag dominated HS where about 80% of the students have voted for the last 3 republican candidates for President. He enjoys being an out spoken Liberal and pounding the conservatives in debates. His honors US history teacher is the product of a VERY conservative church related college. He and another "liberal" student finshed the year 1 and 2 in the class. So much for the influence of peers and school

Mike's Dad

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 11:19 pm: Edit

He enjoys being an out spoken Liberal and pounding the conservatives in debates. His honors US history teacher is the product of a VERY conservative church related college. He and another "liberal" student finshed the year 1 and 2 in the class. So much for the influence of peers and school

Congratulations to your son Mike.
I don't know what political bent I am, but you could have knocked me over with a feather yesterday when the conservative Supreme court ruled 6 to 3 that gay rights are a civil right issue.
I expect the states that are still holding onto laws that make anything but the missonary position illegal, will be having to either defend their position or move forward into the 1970's.

By Interesteddad (Interesteddad) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 12:05 pm: Edit

>> I understand most students aren't "of a piece", but my objections are to those administrations who put up with really off the wall instructors, and (in the name of diversity and tolerance) encourage, if not actively work for, the dissolution of all moral values.

The bigger issue is academics. After all, a student's moral values are not going to be changed by college and I doubt that four years of exposure to even the nuttiest professors will kill anyone.

However, the raging political correctness has taken a toll on the basics of a liberal arts education. For example, it is becoming more and more impossible to find good a old fashioned English literature survey course. These days, the course catalogs are filled with courses like "Gender Issues in Shakespeare" and "Racial Issues in Faulkner", etc. The curriculum at many schools is increasingly injected with an unabashed political agenda.

By Mike (Mike) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 01:51 pm: Edit

Political "right correctness" is just a common as "left correctness". There just aren't as many radio talk nuts of the left as the right to point it out.

Mike's Dad

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 02:30 pm: Edit

These days, the course catalogs are filled with courses like "Gender Issues in Shakespeare" and "Racial Issues in Faulkner", etc. The curriculum at many schools is increasingly injected with an unabashed political agenda.

I am confused. Are you saying that considering the roles of men and women in Shakespeares writings and in his time are not worth comsidering?
I think it is very interesting, so many strong female characters in his plays yet women were not permitted on the stage.
I admit that I have not read Faulkner although I did select a 'Time before Dying" for my next book group choice, but again, how is looking at the place and time in which these authors lived and how that affected their work being "injected with a unabashed political agenda"?

Is examination of self and society only to be a "liberal" characteristic?
How ludicrous!

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 02:53 pm: Edit

Yes I know it is "As I lay dying"
But so many books with dying in the title
A lesson before dying
A prayer for the dying
A time before dying
Not to mention our 20 year old cat is dying of kidney failure and I am having to help everyone through the process of accepting that on Monday we will help her die.
So I am a little distracted I guess

By Interesteddad (Interesteddad) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 10:36 pm: Edit

>> I am confused. Are you saying that considering the roles of men and women in Shakespeares writings and in his time are not worth comsidering?

I'm saying that not every work of fiction must be, or even should be, considered against a backdrop of contemporary politics.

Most great literature deals with individual human conflict and emotions. To recast every literature course in sociological/political terms does not make sense to me.

Some of the course catalogs these days are pretty humorous.

By Jamiegbf (Jamiegbf) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 10:35 pm: Edit

As is always the case, the true "hate mongers" and intolerant people come out of the woodwork whenever a conservative posts a message. There is nothing wrong with wanting your children to get a fair and balanced education (F&B is why Fox News is kicking CNN). Unfortunately, most universities and media outlets are filled with liberals who cannot make it anywhere else.

Allison, Wheaton College, Hillsdale and Tomas Acquinas are great choices.

jamiegbf

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 11:11 pm: Edit

I did recommend Thomas Aquinas on another board for someone who was looking at Catholic Colleges.
Looking at graduates who go on for their Ph.d , TA ranks only below St Johns, in percentage of graduates in the humanities who do so. ( More than schools like Yale BTW)
( Of course my daughters college is in the top 5 percentage of graduates in all catgories and top three in most- but I digress...)

By Hhboyji (Hhboyji) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 04:01 pm: Edit

What's not conservative colleges? 'cause I really don't want to go to conservative colleges since I'm completely not. What's the colleges that are gay-friendly and supportive to students' political actions or feminism?

How about JHU?

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 - 04:55 pm: Edit

Most if not all of the liberal arts colleges, including schools that are located in small conservative towns. There however you may have some tension between the students and the residents.
The most 20 politically active schools according to Princeton review are
Lewis & Clark
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Guilford College
Macalester College *
New York University *
Grinnell College *
University of Wisconsin Madison
UNiversity of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Pitzer COllege
Mt Holyolke College *
Brandeis University *
Cornell University
Tufts University
Georgetown University
Smith College *
University of Ca Berkeley *
George Washington University
Wesleyan *
Wellesley*
UC Santa Cruz *

( schools with asterisk are also on top 20 gay friendly list)

By Napastan (Napastan) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 01:50 pm: Edit

I went to an "elite" college and would think twice about sending my kid there today, politically, not to mention the cost. I have heard stories of intolerance and disrespect by so-called "tolerant youth" who have accepted the leftist worldview as the only view. Unless you are in engineering or the sciences it's probably the same at many elite colleges.

The admissions officers at many schools are often very liberal and may add bias to the class they admit. For example, I was stunned when my son's HS college counselor suggested we be careful listing the fact that he had earned his Eagle Scout award.

I am sure every school has a political spectrum of kids to interact with, but there is a lot of peer pressure when ultra-liberal urban classmates comprise 80% of a class, even if a conservative kid is strong enough to speak his mind. I transferred to an elite Boston-area school from Idaho after a year traveling abroad and found it had some middle of the road students, but also many things went on that would shock some parents - drugs, hippie students, raunchy/radical films, socialist organizers and a very laissez-faire administration.

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 02:40 pm: Edit

The admissions officers at many schools are often very liberal and may add bias to the class they admit. For example, I was stunned when my son's HS college counselor suggested we be careful listing the fact that he had earned his Eagle Scout award.

While my daughter has been involved in Girl Scouts and my husband was an Explorer Scout ( his leader was recently in the news as having climbed Everest and K2 ), I would take that to mean that citing an organization which pretty blatantly discriminates against a large portion of society, despite the obvious hard work and dedication to reach that goal, may be misintpreted.
Did you ask them to clarify their statement?
And while you would not recommend your alma mater when you attended, what was your experience with it?

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 02:55 pm: Edit

Here is the full text of the book Choosing Colleges by Thomas Sowell
http://www.leaderu.com/choosingcollege/sowell-choosing/toc.html
Thomas Sowell is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution specializing in social and economic policy and the history of ideas. He has been at the Hoover Institution since 1980.

He received an A.B. in Economics (magna cum laude) from Harvard in 1958, A.M. in Economics from Columbia University in 1959, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago in 1968.

Sowell has taught economics at various colleges and universities over the last 25 years, including Amherst, Cornell, Brandeis and the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also been associated with two research centers other than the Hoover Insitution. He was Project Director at the Urban Institute from 1972-1974, and a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University in 1976-1977.

Sowell has published extensively for over 20 years. His most recent books are Preferential Policies: An International Perspective (William Morrow & Company, 1990), Choosing a College, A Guide for Parents and Students (Harper & Row, Publishers, 1989), and Judicial Activism Reconsidered (Hoover Institution Press, 1989). He writes a syndicated column that appears in major newspapers throughout the United States.

By Reidmc (Reidmc) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 11:41 pm: Edit

more fuel for the fire

http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2003/07/22_politics.shtml

By Dmitrypetrovna (Dmitrypetrovna) on Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 09:27 pm: Edit

That makes me so mad. Liberals are some of the most intolerant people around because they are so self-absorbed in their ideologies. They rarely consider other viewpoints.

By Devil (Devil) on Monday, December 01, 2003 - 07:28 pm: Edit

i think you are wrong to generalize all liberals as intolerant dmitry
how would you define a conservative person? a liberal person? do you think ALL liberals/conservatives share identical thoughts/views?

allison, let your kid make HIS decision. he's the one going to college, not you. He may even learn more about life&the world if he goes to a school where not everyone shares his -sorry, your- opinions.

I think you are more fitting to Dmitrypetrovna's description of a liberal. ("self-absorbed in your ideologies and dont consider other viewpoints.") wouldnt you agree, dmitry?

By Dmitrypetrovna (Dmitrypetrovna) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 09:33 pm: Edit

yeah probably. I really dont care.

By Dzleprechaun (Dzleprechaun) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 01:17 am: Edit

Dmitrypetrovna? Are you Russian?

By Televelis (Televelis) on Friday, February 06, 2004 - 10:56 pm: Edit

"allison, let your kid make HIS decision. he's the one going to college, not you. He may even learn more about life&the world if he goes to a school where not everyone shares his -sorry, your- opinions."

If the parent is paying, the parent should have SOME say in where the kid goes to college.

By Msn56 (Msn56) on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 01:33 pm: Edit

In regards to students being able to stand up for themselves in college - they can - but they can also fail as a result of it. The liberal brainwashing that is occuring at our institutions of higher indoctrination is shocking. My brother went back to school at age 30. He told me he rapidly learned that he must write all of his papers with a liberal viewpoint to get good grades. A well thought out and well argued conservative view point was all the more reason for a poor grade. Its time we vote with our money. Review each college's standpoints on values and dont spend your money at institutions that are not in line with your value system . Period

By Msn56 (Msn56) on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 01:41 pm: Edit

I was a liberal in college - then I entered the real world and grew up

By Msn56 (Msn56) on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 01:55 pm: Edit

Heres a post from Sowells Book;

A biology professor at the University of Texas at Austin is described in the September 1987 issue of Texas Review, a student publication, as "prone to spontaneous outbursts about nearly anything with no relation to the previous subject." He "tends to ramble" and often "degenerates into vulgarity," suggesting "a dirty old man." Another biology professor there "starts every class by playing his favorite ditties (by Gershwin and Brubeck) to the students while waddling sleepily across the stage." He suddenly "without warning" turns on "eye-popping slides of female genitalia onto the cinema-sized screen," making such accompanying remarks as "this is not my wife" and "I did not take these pictures, ha, ha."


Yea man - whatever goes - isn't liberalism great!

By Senatorjeffhill (Senatorjeffhill) on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 02:37 pm: Edit

TEXAS SCHOOLS--

I see its been 2 years since the original post but I've got to put my 2 cents worth in here for whoever might be looking for the same info Allison was. Somebody suggested Cornell, which is a very liberal school. My friend transferred back to Texas because even the College Republicans had liberal leanings up there! Other colleges suggested seemed to mostly be private schools and, hence, cost more money.

I have a couple of suggestions for you, particularly if you live in Texas. The first is Texas Tech. While every school has a few liberals on faculty, the climate as a whole is very conservative. Also, you get a major dose of school spirit and its alot of fun, which is important, too! The education quality is very good. Great greek system. Also, UT Tyler is great. Its quite conservative and small, not quite 5000 students. Its in the process of great change and its a great time to be here. The basketball team is pretty good and a football team is in the works. A greek system will be here within a year. Classes are small and the teachers know your name. Education quality is very good. Texas A&M is phenominally conservative, lots of school spirit, great education, and the alumni really look out for one another. U of H is very liberal. UT (main campus in Austin) is a strange mix of very liberal with elements of strong conservatism. Texas State University, formerly known as Southwest Texas State, has a mixed atmosphere, like UT Austin, but greater leanings toward conservatism.

Well, there's an overview of the biggest well-known Texas state schools, and one not so big. I just want to add that exposure to ultra liberal views doesn't necessarily mean one will be indoctrinated. I have rather enjoyed having it out with liberal teachers! Or, I should say, "spirited debate." If they come back freaks, well, you did the best you could!

By Calkidd (Calkidd) on Thursday, February 19, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

Why don't you just convince your son to major in engineering? I did so, and even at UC Berkeley, I experienced almost zero political coersion through technical courses and only had one or two proffs (for an English lit class) who were very opinionated about their politics.

By Mommanita (Mommanita) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 05:14 pm: Edit

Do all of you who believe it is time to completely let go of children at age 18 and let them "go free", also believe that not a free cent goes to their education expenses? As long as I am still providing for my child to complete his growth into full adulthood, I will still consider them under my upbringing. Who said "18" was the age of adulthood anyway? That's silly, and sounds very much like typical Leftist Liberal belief -- that somehow, government hands them info, and they swallow it whole without question. And the idea that Jesus would be on the side of whiny haters cannot even be fathomed by me.

By Mundanesundays (Mundanesundays) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 08:37 pm: Edit

You are all awfully biting and mean towards a huge group of people that you disgustedly call "liberals". Yes, there are hard-core liberals who don't think things through, but there are a hell of a lot of hard-core conservatives that do just the same thing.
Kids still have a lot to learn at age 18, but I would imagine that they'd have some sort of maturity at that point, and would be adult enough to figure some things out for themselves. Sure, you're paying, but if you have any understanding and compassion for your child, you'll let them figure some stuff out for themselves.

"And the idea that Jesus would be on the side of whiny haters cannot even be fathomed by me."
wow. just, wow.
liberal = whiny hater
I never knew.

By Azteca199 (Azteca199) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 11:33 am: Edit

I really like this discussion. For the topic, I graduated from a slightly liberal university (I also am a liberal)and I found plenty of people to argue with and be friends with. One of my best friends from college, has a totally different view point from mine and we argue but we love each other. I think we have taught each other a lot and we have a good laugh after yelling at each other for an hour. As a sidenote, my family is very liberal, but never forced any ideas upon me, and we argue all the time about different issues. They taught me not to tote any party line but to evaluate and think critically about every issue. My Dad and I love to argue, it is almost a passion, if we agree too much with each other on one topic we move on to the next. This is what makes learning so wonderful and I do not think parents should squash this experience for their children. I do not understand why people who are supposedly Christians call liberals so many names.

By Baymom (Baymom) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 10:31 pm: Edit

I think that a school can be "conservative" (i.e. respectful of conservative values) without being right wing crazy. Case in point - my daughter goes to Marquette U in Milwaukee. Jesuit school, great reputation, strong academics an dprograms (not just liberal arts) and in a big city. The dorms had visitation policies, no overnights by opposite sex, lots of service opportunities and theology classes. Yet, they have a big party scene, as many liberal professors as conservative, and kids from all spectrums. Yet the main thing is that students feel comfortable having strong morals and values - they are not ostracized but embraced for who they are.
Her best friend went to George Washington University. Fabulous school academically, politically active, in the heart of DC. Yet, she, being a girl with strong values has felt completely out of place. The food take out service puts condoms in every order, during "Controversy Week" there are six foot high male and female genitalia displayed on the campus and she is constantly derided for being a virgen. Needless to ssay, after two years she is transferring to Marquette where I know she will be a lot happier.

By Azteca199 (Azteca199) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 07:20 am: Edit

About the genitalia, so is the sculpture of David obsene? Also if she is an adult, she hasn't seen pictures of genitalia. Just seems a bit foolish, body parts are not "dirty" or "evil" and condoms are a good idea since most std's are spread among young people. I think your friend simply needs a better group of friends, and why did she share that she was a virgin if she didn't want feedback. If it is that personal why didn't she simply not mention it to anyone. There are jerks at every school and I don't believe you can judge a school based on a small group of people.

By Baymom (Baymom) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 11:02 am: Edit

Sorry Azteca, you're offbase. David is a work of art, genitalia displayed for shock value is inappropriate - in fact student tour guides at GW are asked to avoid the display when showing prospective students and their families around the campus. Body parts of course aren't evil or dirty but why display them? I know we have lost all sense of modesty and propriety but why constantly put on public display how vulgar we are. And if you read the April Fools edition of their student publication - I think even you would be mortified. It bordered on the obscene in the legal sense. Of course, if people are comfortable with all of this, fine, go there. But I'm saying that for anyone raise with any kind of morals and values, it's disconcerting to have a condom put in with your burger. If you are sexually active - yes, go buy them! Safe sex is imperative. And if you're grown up enough to have sex, you're grown up enough to go to Student Health or the Walgreens and buy them.

By Mac87 (Mac87) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 10:16 pm: Edit

i sounds to me like you need to stop controling your kid and let him decide where he wants to go to college, if you did a good job of teaching him the morales you value you have nothing to worry about, also, if your kid wants to go against all the values you've taught him, he can do that anywhere

By Mac87 (Mac87) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 10:22 pm: Edit

by conservitive do you mean republican or school with little sexual activity and driking and gay people

By Lookn4norml (Lookn4norml) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 02:44 pm: Edit

We are also looking for advice for conservative, or better yet- if they even exist- mixed or mid of the road schools-faculty, more than student body even. Is that an impossibilty unless Christian coalition or Jesuit types?? East Coast will be preferred locale. We moved to the East Coast after a long time out west, so kids have lived both extremes. Our worldview is not being forced on our child, I just dislike paying for brainwashing-either way. Thought college was all about exploration, but faculties seem rather militant these days-did just perpetual hippies get Phds? This child's interested in history/journalism/gov't. We never thought of this as a big issue for our other child-she went to her first choice school -small liberal arts in Mass.-Lucky thing her major is chemistry-can't spin that much. She found out early in the few req'd social science & lit classes to fake an extreme lib op or pay the price in lower grades.

By Annakat (Annakat) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 11:50 pm: Edit

"I just hate the fact that many Democrats will willingly believe any left-wing rhetoric thrown in their direction (i.e. Micheal Moore's "Bowling for Columbine." THE most blatantly hypocritical and falsified documentary in existance."

not unlike republicans' willingness to believe anything the religious right throws in their direction, example: the story of creation, the most unscientific and falsified tale in existence.

if someone doesn't know what male and female genitalia looks like by the time they get to college, then he or she is in big trouble. seeing them or images of them only have "shock value" if one associates them with shame or evil (see story of creation above).

other conservative tales: a link between al queda and iraq; why the roe v. wade decision is wrong (arguments based on religious beliefs, rather than on constitutional law).

By Goodchocolate (Goodchocolate) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:41 pm: Edit

Annakat, "conservative" doesn't mean "religious". I'm ultra-conservative. I'm as far right as you can get on every issue...except for religion.

People seem to forget that one of the most conservative people in history (Hitler) was atheist.

By Goodchocolate (Goodchocolate) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 10:03 pm: Edit

I was just informed that many sites claim that Hitler was a theist. Yes, I know Hitler did make some claims of “doing God’s work”, but there's reasonable evidence that was only for public consumption, and there's tons of evidence proving his atheism.

This is a bit off topic, and I apologize. I just didn't want to be seen as the "stupid conservative who distorts all the facts".

By Kait (Kait) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 12:09 am: Edit

On the threshold of college, I uphold my conservative values despite the fact that 99.9% of my fellow peers are of the leftist wing. This summer, after attending a political summer school, I was able to associate with other passionate conservatives. The strength of my values skyrocketed, and I was much happier because I could freely be myself without being "ambushed" so to speak. So, Ms. Payton, I think that you are making a wise decision. Especially this day in age, it is easy to "lose your way" and along with it your values. If just for the sake of your son's happingness, I encourage him to go to a more conservative college where more people will be supporting his ideas.

By Pat57575 (Pat57575) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 02:58 am: Edit

Annakat, your statement about creation seems to be very close-minded for someone supporting a party of acceptance and openness. And creationism isn't just something that Rush Limbaugh "threw" at us while we were eating lunch on Tuesday.

The idea of an ultimate controller cannot simply be tossed out due to scientific evidence. For a simple argument, consider the possibility of God creating a world with the markings of age. Further, our notions of time are overly simplified to get hung up on fossil records or carbon dating.

The infinite complexity and inexplicability of the human condition has bewildered philosophers for years and serves as a considerable barrier to solid conclusions concerning our origins.

Though I am not advocating creation over other beliefs, I think it is absurd for you to come in here and dismiss it as "falsified" nonsense.

By Wisdomdelayed (Wisdomdelayed) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 05:14 pm: Edit

Although Allison's need to find a few colleges not completely controlled by radical left wing activists has probably passed, many of us are newly faced with this same issue. In the more than a year since she posed the question the difficulty of finding an answer has probably increased.

An excellent college guide that characterizes the intellectual climates of many colleges and universities is The ISI Guide Choosing the Right College. It is the revival of The National Review College Guide mentioned by Roger in this thread's first reply. It reviews many of the "conservative" schools mentioned here, such as Wheaton College (IL), Hillsdale, St. John's, etc. It also reviews many elite schools where the left wingers dominate. It provides "in-depth essays on elite institutions and lesser-known schools with outstanding programs" and "exclusive reports on campus politics and intellectual diversity." It also provides advice on "how to ask the right questions during campus visits." Grove City College reposts these questions on their web site.

Another helpful book is College Rankings Exposed by Paul Boyer. It provides "Five Criteria of a Quality Education" and questions to pose to those who know a school so you can judge for yourself whether it provides a quality education.

Finally, for those of us who enjoy getting ourselves spun up about PC (political correctness) silliness and other left wing academic outrages, I recommend the Polly Awards by the Collegiate Network. Those seeking an intellectually honest, conservative academic experience may want to consider not attending some of the Polly Award winning schools.

By Brennis (Brennis) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 09:28 pm: Edit

I am a very conservative high school student who is trying to find a conservative college. I want a bigger university setting, no religious affiliation, and am even looking at Ivies, etc. I know these schools have a reputation for being very liberal, but are there any who are a little tolerant to conservative views? Are all the stories true, will profs downgrade me if my conservative nature shows through? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, it is a great concern for me, trying to find a place where my political views won't cause me to suffer but at the same time not sacrificing the academic setting I am looking for.

By Jwtullis (Jwtullis) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:43 pm: Edit

I haven't read the content all of the posts here, so I'm not sure if I'm repeating anything. That said, Washington and Lee University in Virginia is a top-ranked LA-focused school that is renowned for its majority of conservative students. However, personally, I would not look at schools based on the supposed political leanings of the students, as this inevitably fails to take into account the myriads of diverse and interesting people attending many colleges throughout the nation. You're likely to meet both conservative and liberal students whereever you go, and most people probably aren't so forceful with their views that they would condemn someone else for having different ones.

Get to know people based on their personalities, not their standings on the political spectrum. I can certainly understand your desire to fit in and to not be marginalized by those who do not share your views, but a political view should not totally mold one's character or personality.

If you're interested in a school for its academics, apply for that reason. You can narrow down schools based on environments afterwards. And its ok as well to include several "conservative" schools if that's what you're interested in. I would, personally, just try to pick a school based on what I wanted to study, its size, and other similar factors, because you never can really tell what people are going to be like.

By Amigos45289 (Amigos45289) on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 07:11 pm: Edit

Who said that the parents wanting their kid to go to a conservative school aren't wanting the same thing as the kid is wanting? The people who say that the parents aren't letting the kid make their own choices just sound angry because not everyone believes liberally like them.

About the genitalia, yes, somewhere along the way most 18 yr. olds have seen them, but putting up giant genitalia DOES have shock value. If it didn't why don't we all just walk around naked? Naked like the animals we "evolved" from.

By Moojuice (Moojuice) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 12:11 am: Edit

OOoh, we should all walk around naked. Anyone been to the genetalia art garden? It's all male genetalia, all modern art. Ewww, run away conservatives run away. Flopping genetalia art. Eeeewwwww. Sexuality! Run run! Don't be natural!! Eeewwww!!!

By Sheeprun (Sheeprun) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 11:54 am: Edit

Moojuice,

You seem to delight in hanging it just over the edge whenever and wherever possible. This will be the ONLY warning you will get from me: back it off!

<moderator>

By Mgcsinc (Mgcsinc) on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 04:11 pm: Edit

Why is it that in conservative parents feel that they must keep their kids in conservative education, while liberal parents seem to be content to let their children follow their own paths? I really hate to draw parallels, but the Berlin wall used to be mocked because East Germany had to pen their own citizens in; let's find ways this is different, and bash me now.

(by the way, Amigos, I'm fairly certain that clothes were not "evolved")

By Simba (Simba) on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 09:25 am: Edit

I was curious too. So I asked my Archie Bunker, and he responded,"Meathead there are three reasons...."

1. By its very nature Liberal mentality is a laissez-faire attitude and they feel that guidance equals interference in individuals life (even their child). Conservatives feel that their childs individual liberty is secondary to their responsibility as parents to help their children establish a a firm foundation for success in life.
2. Since Conservatives are paying for the childs education out of their own pocket they want to make sure that the children will eventually be self sufficient. Since Liberals are trying to get goverment to subsidize our lives they feel that an individuals economic independence is not really that important.
3. Since true Liberals rarely bath they tend not to have many friends. If their kids go out and get a useful education they will probably eventually move out and they will be lonely. So they like the idea of having their children major in "Finger Painting" from some liberal university, because they hope they will return home and live with them forever. (That way they have someone to go out and buy their "weed" whenever they are no longer able to get around.)

By Mattlord (Mattlord) on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 03:55 pm: Edit

i've developed a definition of die-hard conservatism that pleases me:

conservatism (con*serv*a*tism): noun. political doctrine that intends to preserve what is traditional and oppose change; more generally, the penchant to resolve that there is no good in reality (a derivative of the idea that everything that changes does so in a manner that tends to dissolve inveterate moral standards) and that adherence to social prescriptions and the repudiation of free-thinking are the only actions that can maintain as harmonious a reality as is pragmatically attainable. see also: predestination, original sin, fatalism, sobriety, stoicism

i must be careful to emphasize that intolerance and rejection of the conservatist doctrine is just as dangerous as embracing it; adhering to stark leftist doctrine is none the safer. it is sad to see politics so strictly bifurcated - i'm always intrigued with conservative Democrats (and the rarer liberal Republicans). i loathe the political scene, and i dislike those that strip situations to nothing but their political significance. and yet it is interesting to imagine that many liberals-turned-conservatives claim that the impetus of their change is "living in the real world." conservatism detracts from the supernatural, and in turn embraces the supernatural. we would be better off had Cantor studied levels of ideological transcendence rather than numerical - and yet we continue to wait for the philosopher who definitively makes this his project. if conservatism is a blend of sobriety and stoicism, i plead we encourage the occasional Bacchanal; if we are to preserve any tradition and harmonize on any note, let us on that of the pre-Socratics: temperance and moderation dissolve instantly if we've nothing to moderate. if we are not to remain permanently benighted, we must break from our shackles and discover the world outside the cave (this, of course, with a Platonic flavor). but most importantly, we must recognize that universality does not precede existence, and that Plato's theory of ideas certainly faded into an Aristotlean appreciation of existence as we perceive it: exercise equanimity, but do not prescribe it. the harmony ensured by temperance is at once dismissed if we do not discover it ourselves.

By Amigos45289 (Amigos45289) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 08:34 pm: Edit

First of all, I never said clothes evolved, I was just trying to make the point that a lot of people don't want to see naked people. Maybe it's because of a belief or maybe it's because of a conscience.
Second, what ever happened to being a good parent? Oh that's right, wouldn't want to be accused of being a conservative and not letting kids try whatever they want to. Far be it that a parent would want their kid to believe what is right - I mean what kind of parent wouldn't let their kid do drugs or look at porn. It's their right to ruin their lives!

By Faizzan (Faizzan) on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 02:46 pm: Edit

Liberal schools and liberal thinking does not exist. While on the contrary, conservative thinking apparently does exist as proved on this page. I feel that conservative thinking is quite flawed and dangerous. One main reason is because there is no other source to keep in check conservative ideology. As liberalism does not cease to exist. If we examine the liberalism you begin to realize that it is inherently unliberal. It has its own ability to moderate liberalism through taking an open forum based approach. It allows the exchange of differing ideas to be adressed in the same platform, while in conservatism rejects all change and reform it rejects the new ideas that cultivate progressive times. may i repeat quite radical in its nature. If you read Eric Alterman's "What Liberal Media", he gives a the media world to ponder quite specifically the conservative media world where news and information is only provided through the prism conservative ideology flawed in its own existence. On the contrary any news media organization dubbed " liberal" like public radio or the nytimes you see clearly that the information provided there is given in more or less in moderation.

And for those who feel that a liberal base is harmful for children i think your wrong. Quite simply because the highest teen pregnancy rates, the highest pre-marital sex rates, the highest drug-alcohol abuse rates, the highest illiteracy rates etc are found in predominantly conservative towns.

By Amigos45289 (Amigos45289) on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 12:51 am: Edit

liberalism is unliberal? hmmm...makes a lot of sense.

pre-marital sex highest in conservative towns? well that's probably because the conservative parents vote and the rebellious teen-agers prefer to call themselves liberals and go aroung without any morals. Most conservatives are against pre-marital sex.


Conservatism does not reject all change but prefers to conserve the good ideologies that America was founded upon such as freedom of religion, speech, etc. A lot of conservatives are against gay marriages but that doesn't mean that the idea of conservatism is against gay marriages. It means there are people who are conservative that are againsts gay marriages. There are conservatives for gay marriage and there are some liberals, though rare, against gay marriage. That's just one example of overgeneralization of political viewpoints. There are many reasons for someone to be considered conservative or liberal, it's not just one is okay with change and one isn't. It's different degrees of change and how changes are brought about. There are extremes to both sides and moderation to both sides.
Faizzan, your entire post was just one big generalization, which, I consider to be what is "flawed and dangerous".

By Faizzan (Faizzan) on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 01:18 am: Edit

umm quite simply it was not a generalization. what you are talking about in its purest form is moderation. Being a Moderate....i happen to agree to that form of belief. as i oppose of gay rights and gay marriage. But conservatism or liberalism in its true sense is quite the more radical and as stated in my previous post. But its good to know that there are people like you that feels one needs to find the balance in between.

I applaud you for that belief

By Bfjava (Bfjava) on Monday, June 14, 2004 - 12:11 pm: Edit

Everything thus far said is obviously generalizations of each political group. As far as Michael Moore's documentry goes, care to explain why it is "THE most blatantly hypocritical and falsified documentary in existance?" It definitely generalizes, i.e. the NRA parts, but overall it does have quite a few good points to ponder. Moore's points on media, US foreign policy, gun control (pertaining to those specific states he addressed), America's historical intolerant attitude toward 'foreigners', etc all contain some sort of validity. (Note: yes, his points generalize. I know a great # of conservatives aren't like that ) I'd just like to know how's it's "falsified."

Someone above said it's unbelievable how liberals blindly believe something like Moore's documentary, but isn't it also ironic that "conservatives" also blindly immediately disbelieve such a documentary? ;)

Just a few thoughts...hehe

By Faizzan (Faizzan) on Monday, June 14, 2004 - 08:02 pm: Edit

terrific point Bfjava....And hey where forgetting that they blindly believe what Rush Limbaugh says even when he's overdosed....and also fox news.....well that just shows there inadaquate nature being very so hypocritical.

By Goodchocolate (Goodchocolate) on Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 10:34 am: Edit

Everything thus far said is obviously generalizations of each political group.

In situations like this, it makes sense to generalize. If most liberals have traits that someone hates, and most conservatives don't, it makes more sense to look at conservative colleges since there's a greater chance of them liking it.

Parents who let their children go wherever they want to college are foolish. St. John's College in Annapolis has the great books cirriculum, and when I first heard about it, I wanted to go. I told my parents about it; they talked some sense into me!

They'd rather spend ~35,000$ a year of their hard-earned money on a good private school that will help me in the real world than sending me to a college that's really nothing more than a big discussion group, or a college that won't contribute to my future success.

Conservatives are known for looking at the big picture. They look at how attending X college will effect their childs ability to get a good job, and if it's economical to send the child to such a school. Most liberals DON'T. If their kid wants to go to X college, they'll let him. All they care about is their kid having "the best four years of his life", even if that means less success and joy in the 60 years to follow.

By Serdu (Serdu) on Thursday, June 24, 2004 - 11:01 pm: Edit

"It's a parent's responsibility to teach values and guide their children in a direction that's condusive to their ideals. That's not brainwashing. Nice try."

Forgive me, but isn't also the responsibilty of the STUDENT to choose his/her own political, social, and economic beliefs? Steering your child in the "right wing" (or for that matter the "left wing) won't give him/her the ability to explore and learn.

By Guyfromva05 (Guyfromva05) on Saturday, June 26, 2004 - 03:38 pm: Edit

why would anyone go to a liberal school when you could attend a school like Wake or Washington and Lee?

By Simba (Simba) on Sunday, June 27, 2004 - 02:40 pm: Edit

Or you can home school

By Jane1018 (Jane1018) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 11:28 am: Edit

How can you say liberals "brainwash?" Hmm...you're afraid to send your son to a school where he might be exposed to the viewpoints of liberals? Well, that is most effective way to keep the victim of a brainwashing from being deprogrammed. Sounds like you may be confused about who's doing the "brainwashing" here. By being apprehensive about sending your son to a liberal college you are in effect admitting that he may decide to change his political perspective once he's seen the other side of issues. The students at the ivies and other "liberal" institutions are being educated. Not indoctrinated. Maybe that's why they're so liberal.

By Believersmom (Believersmom) on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 06:01 pm: Edit

Oh come off it...indoctrination, brain-washing, tolerance, rights, censorship. All terms that are often mis-used, especially by the instructors and students of institutions of higher learning, that should, at the very least know the correct definition of them. As a result, we end up with these crazy personal insults when a caring parent simply wants to help, protect, and/or guide whatever personal beliefs they RIGHTFULLY chose to bring THEIR offspring up with.

Fact is, ALL of us have the political social views we have not from our independence of influence, but because of all the influences and experiences in our environments [controlled and not controlled].

I too am interested in my child investigating a conservative school. But not because of the indoctrination fear[my kids are WAY stronger than that]but because of the intelligence factor. History has shown time and again that liberal ideologies, like communism and socialism, when carried out in their purest or near purest forms, do not work. Yet mostly "liberal" institutions continue to hold up and teach these as the ideal. That's just a waste of my money. So if I am paying for the education, you can bet I am going to use that power to black-mail, at the very least, the evaluation process, when it's college selection time.

Additionally, the news in recent months has highlighted college student research that shows an alarming[to me] trend of educators punishing grade-wise, conservative students in their classrooms. My D is 14, and currently a strong and intelligent conservative [product of her environment]. She just finished attending a four-week special-interest summer school program that she paid all her savings for and that was in no way related to politics or political views. About a week into it she came home in tears. Since she is not prone to being overly emotional[I know she is not a typical teenage girl]I couldn't imagine what was the problem. Apparently one of her classes ended early and the teacher asked during the free time what they all thought of the coming election. 12-14yr olds started growling vicious personal attacks at President Bush and anyone "stupid" enough to support him. When she bravely tried to state her view of why she and her parents do support him, she was attacked and told he was evil and a murderer and a crook, etc. etc. So she began asking specific questions about what they were saying and pointing out specific facts about the administration, none of which were answered with anything more than additional personal accusations. So I said, "You are hurt that people you were getting to know and like as new friends could be so mean and hurtful and insensitive to you?" She said, "No, I am just SOOOO frustrated that I spent all my money to come here to LEARN and I am surrounded by all this stupidity. Not to mention, I thought liberals like to think of themselves as 'tolerant', they sure don't seem very tolerant to me."

The point of this very long post is just that if you know your kid is a conservative, why put them through four plus years of imersion in a hostile environment? And pay huge amounts of money for that "fun" besides? There are liberals and conservatives on every campus and to some point I believe what Winston Churchill said, "A man in his youth who is not a liberal has no heart, but an adult man who is not a conservative has no brain." Sending them to college is not going to change their views and values, life will, possibly, all in due time.

Two suggestions:
Read---Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
For a conservative leaning campus checkout Miami University Oxford, OH [except when they caved to political correctness regarding the Redskin Athletic name, they tend to be very conservative. PJ O'Rouke is an alum. Conservative company, Proctor & Gamble is a huge university supporter].

Best Wishes, and GOD Bless you ALL from a recovering liberal :o)

By Believersmom (Believersmom) on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 06:19 pm: Edit

One more thing...
Why is it that none of the liberals on this thread have commented on Brennis' post? Here is a STUDENT wanting to know, not a parent. Better hurry and set him/her straight on the narrow-minded warped thinking of wanting on his[I picked a pro-noun]own to attend a conservative school.

Please tell this young person, those of you that attend liberal universities, have you ever seen an "out" conservative student dealt with in a class discussion? Were they allowed to finish a thought? Were they shouted down? I would be especially interested in the class discussions in Economics and Poli Sci classes.

By Paulhomework (Paulhomework) on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 10:45 am: Edit

Best Conservative College in America:

HOME SCHOOL!!! that way the child does not come in contact with any of the deadly liberal diseases infecting students every second nowadays.


(hope you see the sarcasm)

By Destinypath (Destinypath) on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 11:15 pm: Edit

This was a fascinatingly fun read. One note, and one question.

The definition of "conservative" and "liberal" seems to be changing with each person's use of it. To some, conservative means "repressed hardnoser," and to others, it means, "Smart person with a foundation." In the same way, to some, liberal means, "Socialist warm fuzzy head in the clouds," and to others, it means, "compassionate, open, and wide-ranging."

Question: How about someone who knows something (which totally isn't me) post colleges that might not necessarily have "conservative" viewpoints, but instead a good balance and openness to either side of the political/religious spectrum.

Hah, is that even POSSIBLE nowadays? ;-)

By Tmonmon (Tmonmon) on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 01:48 am: Edit

The ISI guide is ridiculous. It bashes Brown University's "open curriculum" for no reason and without ever noting any positives. It just gets off on bashing a more liberal school. Just as bad as those "whiny, intolerant, idiotic liberals," eh?

By Anxiousmom (Anxiousmom) on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 12:47 pm: Edit

GoodChocolate said: "Parents who let their children go wherever they want to college are foolish. St. "John's College in Annapolis has the great books cirriculum,(sic) and when I first heard about it, I wanted to go. I told my parents about it; they talked some sense into me!

They'd rather spend ~35,000$ a year of their hard-earned money on a good private school that will help me in the real world than sending me to a college that's really nothing more than a big discussion group, or a college that won't contribute to my future success."

Wow - I'm sorry you let go of such a great school so easily. Have you looked at what St John's students do after college? They have incredible success in graduate school and professional school! And I would hardly call the curriculum "liberal"! (Unless reading Greek, Roman, French philosophers is considered liberal?)

On another note: I think the issue of conservative students receiving lower grades at "liberal" school is an urban legend - much like drying the dog in the microwave. I just don't believe that well-thought out, well-written, well-defended work gets a lower-grade because it doesn't toe the party line. Bulloney. Most professors LOVE a good argument or opinion, and are happy with the challenge. But badly-written, poorly thought-out, illogical, unsupported work may not score so well.

By Ivyman1 (Ivyman1) on Thursday, August 05, 2004 - 01:00 pm: Edit

Re: above
Not an urban legend, I've heard it happen:
"Citrus College in Glendora, Calif., where a professor forced students in her Speech 106 class, a required course, to write anti-war letters to President Bush and penalized those who refused. When some students asked for permission to write supportive letters instead, the professor refused and told them their grades would suffer if they did."
"A professor at the University of Northern Colorado put "Explain why George Bush is a war criminal" as a midterm essay question. One student instead wrote on why Saddam Hussein is a war criminal, and received an F."
In another case in Colorado "a student came to class in his military uniform and was berated by his antimilitary professor."
But these instances are few and far between. At most "good" schools this does not occur. Even the so-called uber-liberal Ivies don't generally allow for political partisanship in the classroom- the professors know they are professionals and treat their jobs as such.

By Karmapoliceman (Karmapoliceman) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 02:31 pm: Edit

Bob Jones University.

By Kblodge (Kblodge) on Friday, August 27, 2004 - 03:44 pm: Edit

"At most 'good' schools this does not occur. Even the so-called uber-liberal Ivies don't generally allow for political partisanship in the classroom- the professors know they are professionals and treat their jobs as such."

Unfortunately, Ivyman1, this isn't always true. There are horror stories reported about the mistreatment of Ivy League conservatives (especially Harvard conservatives) on Frontpagemag.com periodically, and as a student starting Dartmouth this fall, I've also read about occasional horror stories there. One English 5 teacher apparently frequently told all her white students they were racist, that only white people could be racist, and called someone a white supremicist when he wouldn't agree with her that bandaids were racist. Instead of studying literature, students read articles like "The Case for Slave Restitution" and "White Privilege/Male Privilege." There were a lot more stories about her and the injustices she inflicted upon her class; she was reportedly very unbalanced. Fortunately at Dartmouth, there is a strong conservative faction of students, and this anomoly of a professor (I agree, most do act like professionals and discourage political partisanship) was mocked in several articles in the college's conservative newspaper, the Dartmouth Review (www.dartreview.com). It succeeding in drawing the administration's attention to the problem. I don't know what the situation is at all the Ivies, but I think Dartmouth, despite its liberal administration, has a more politically balanced student body and faculty than some of the others (*ahem* Harvard, the viper's nest).

There is now a student organization called Students for Academic Freedom (studentsforacademicfreedom.org) to defend the rights of students to be treated with respect by faculty and administrators, regardless of their political or religious beliefs, and to promote intellectual diversity. Their tagline is "You can't get a good education if they're only telling you half the story." The website has a wealth of information about the political oppression taking place on college campuses across the nation, and even offers an Academic Freedom Abuse Center for students to report abuses such as unfair grading, one-sided lectures, stacked reading lists, etc.