Project 21 Senior Fellow Deneen Moore wonders why liberal college professors seem so afraid of Dr. Condoleezza Rice:

Ideally, college professors should provide an open environment for the free exchange of ideas… on some college campuses, these ideals aren’t applied to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice because she is an accomplished black female conservative. Instead, protests, petitions and prejudice are the faculty-led antics designed to demean and silence her.Observe, for example, the recent circumstances concerning Dr. Rice and Boston College. Considering her significant accomplishments, one would think that having the Secretary of State speak at their commencement ceremony would be a privilege and an honor for the Boston College community, especially since Dr. Rice addresses only one commencement annually.

To the contrary, hundreds of students are supporting the efforts of faculty members who not only oppose Dr. Rice addressing Boston College’s Class of 2006 but also oppose the decision by College officials to award her an Honorary Doctor of Law degree. To-date, about 200 of the 1,000 faculty members have signed a petition designed to prevent Dr. Rice from speaking. A student petition demanding the invitation be rescinded has also been circulated throughout the campus…

Dr. Condoleezza Rice is one of the finest examples of a leader for people of all races, colors and creeds…

One must ask just what these liberal professors are so afraid of and why are they so ardently trying to prevent Dr. Rice from addressing Boston College’s Class of 2006. Are they afraid that Dr. Rice will, in one afternoon, undo the years of brainwashing the students have endured at Boston College? Are they afraid that Dr. Rice will talk about the benefits of a free market society versus statism? Are they afraid that Dr. Rice will talk about the triumphs of liberty over oppression and how Boston College’s Class of 2006 can go into the world of opportunities with a plan by using their brain to think, and be independent, successful, responsible citizens?

Be afraid, liberal Boston College professors. Be very afraid.