At a time when political discourse often drives people to verbal fisticuffs – and sometimes actual violence – what is the role of professors and universities?

Five professors with various political leanings gathered at Chapman University this week to consider the appropriateness of talking about current politics in the classroom.

“Every decision we make as a teacher is an ideological decision,” said Ian Barnard, a Chapman associate professor of English. Even books and assignments reflect a professor’s ideology, he said.

“We need to get rid of this idea that … we can be neutral or unbiased, and  … that we should be,” Barnard said during a Wednesday night forum, “Talking to the other side: discussing current politics in the classroom.”

Click here to read the article on The Orange County Register.