By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A bill in the Missouri House that would pressure state universities to respect divergent viewpoints has picked up a celebrity endorsement.
Actor and former Nixon speech writer Ben Stein is backing the bill, which is sponsored by State Representative Jane Cunningham (R, Chesterfield).
It would require institutes of higher learning to report to the state how they're safeguarding intellectual diversity.
Stein says it would protect both students and teachers.
"Nobody is harmed by it...nobody is suppressed by it...nobody is told what to say...nobody is told that he can't talk or she can't talk...nobody is told that he or she has to keep his mouth shut...all we are doing is giving more of an opportunity for freedom of speech," Stein said.
Stein was in Jefferson City to promote the release of a documentary he produced and stars in that examines intellectual diversity, particularly surrounding the issue of evolution versus intelligent design.
Opponents say, though, that the bill could have the opposite effect and lead to monitoring of what professors and students say.
State Representative Rebecca Payne McClanahan (D, Kirksville) is a former Nursing professor at Truman State University.
"At the worst, I think it would have a chilling effect on university professors if they believe that they are being monitored for what they are teaching, and the techniques that they are using in their classroom...I'm very concerned about it; I think it's a bad idea," McClanahan said.
The bill is currently not scheduled for debate on the House calendar.
It's named for former Missouri State student Emily Brooker. She claims a professor retaliated against her for not supporting adoption by gay couples.