Recently, a Brevard County Community College professor was investigated following a complaint from a student’s parent that the professor was soliciting students in order to get them to vote for Obama. The complaints also suggested that the professor was harassing students.
Sharon Sweet was merely handing out bookmarks urging students to vote for Obama, but apparently this applies far too much pressure on young minds. BCC is a community college that many high schoolers attend in order to earn college credit. But there still are older people in those classes. The fact that a parent called the school to complain about this is almost laughable. If you’re going to be taking college classes, grow up, and don’t go crying to your mother when you’re offended.
Unfortunately, the college has a policy that professors and staff cannot solicit information in support of any political candidate. In my opinion, this goes against the first amendment. It just does not seem right that a college professor cannot voice their opinion to their students. So what if it sparks a little debate? Isn’t that what this country is about? If you disagree with someone’s viewpoint, say something.
I guess my main problem with this is that a parent complained. In college and life, you’re going to come across a lot of different opinions and viewpoints. There comes a point when you have to face that and accept it.
Sweet requested a leave of absence without pay because of all of this. So because she handed out flyers in support of Obama, she is now unemployed. Here are a couple of websites that have articles about this for further reading:
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/blog/brevard-cc-professor-caught-soliciting-students-obama
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/bcc-professor-asks-students-support-obama/nSDn9/