AAP 2026 CONFERENCE

Should university campuses be politically neutral? In this paper I focus mainly on whether professors can or should express political views in class. Its main contribution is to distinguish between absolutist arguments, often thought by proponents to apply universally to all institutions and contexts, and more nuanced context-dependent considerations. I argue that while there are lessons to be learned from each, the absolutist arguments fail. While this means that things are, and there may not be a one size fit all ideal prescription (Schliesser, 2024), the paper describes a plethora of considerations that should be considered when devising policies.  
The paper examines three absolutist arguments, one against neutrality and two in favor. The first is that neutrality is impossible, it is a myth that serves those in power, and therefore professors should not be neutral (Dea, n.d.; Giroux, 2020, p. 210) . The second is that when professors use their social status and role in classrooms to express their political opinions, it is an abuse of power. The third is that professors, when talking as professors, should talk only about their areas of expertise and research (Fish, 2008). When they express their political views, they are not doing so.