Innovation is part of university nature

Steve Tyllesen’s letter (Nov. 17) proclaiming universities and academia as hotbeds of “liberal” persuasion and brainwashing couldn’t be further from the truth. After years of experience in community, state and private colleges, I have had this experience maybe once.

The plot in the movie “God’s Not Dead” that portrayed the university professor as a rabid atheist was laughable. Typically, college professors want their students to understand issues deeply and to see different perspectives and points of view.

I do acknowledge that oftentimes conservatives may feel out of place in a university setting, as the very definition of conservative is to “hold to traditional attitudes and values and be cautious about change or innovation” (look it up in Webster!).

The very nature of universities is oftentimes to think progressively and innovatively. Conflict is sure to develop when those who seek change and progress mix with those who resist change.

When Mr. Tyllesen reads about the Constitutional Convention, he will learn that it was a revolution towards a stronger, centralized government, as the Articles of Confederation failed miserably as a weak and decentralized Constitution that gave more power to the states.

This story was originally published November 23, 2016 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Innovation is part of university nature."