Prof. Bans Fox News Because It Makes Her ‘Cringe’
A professor has decided to ban Fox News as a research source for students, according to a West Virginia college syllabus. The professor is now drawing the criticism of some students and parents.
The West Liberty University syllabus allegedly contains instructions banning students from citing Fox News as a source during any research they conduct for their political science course. The document also singles out an openly fictional news organization called The Onion.
According to Fox News, the ban is the work of Stephanie Wolfe, a visiting assistant professor. Wolfe allegedly wrote the following guidelines for her students:
“DO NOT Use
1) The Onion — this is not news this is literally a parody
2) Fox News — The tagline ‘Fox News‘ makes me cringe. Please do not subject me to this biased news station. I would almost rather you print off an article from The Onion”
An article by WTOV News writes that the entry sparked complaints from students and parents. Some feel that allowing the restrictions forces students to lean toward one side of the political fence. Fox News is considered to be politically conservative.
Robin Capehart, president of West Liberty University, spoke about the Fox News ban:
“One of our values at West Liberty is to encourage students to go out and inquire and gather information and look at as many different sources as possible on any side, before you reach your opinion. If students have concerns about these types of issues, they can approach their department chair, they can approach the dean.”
Do you think West Liberty University should allow a professor to ban Fox News from her curriculum?
