David Bernstein at the Boston Phoenix provides another insightful look at how conservatives are using their money to infiltrate our universities.
Today, the right is again tackling what they view as overwhelmingly liberal academic discourse. But this time, funders are taking a new tactic.
In the past, major conservative foundations like the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, John M. Olin Foundation (now defunct), and Earhart Foundation have channeled their money toward fellowships for graduate study, stipends for faculty to write papers and books, and grants for policy-driving centers. They have underwritten conservative intellectuals, with an eye toward influencing public policy — not the average undergrad.
The new trend turns the focus back toward campus life. Now, funders are working through official university channels to underwrite lecture series, conferences and colloquia, and centers geared for the general-interest student, all carrying university imprimatur.
I'm just amazed at the amount of money that conservatives can throw at these projects. There really is no equivalent on the progressive side for this stuff.
Note: this item is from my personal blog: http://2moneythoughts.wordpress.com/