Professor Adds Passion to Teaching

Re “Teacher’s Terrorism Remarks Stir Academic Freedom Debate,” Sept. 30:

I am writing in support of Kenneth Hearlson. I had the pleasure of taking his political science class during the summer at Orange Coast College.

Hearlson is a professor who puts a great deal of passion into what he teaches. Discussions of oppressive political, religious and economic events throughout the world are controversial. Lectures conducted by him were thought-provoking, challenging and sometimes edgy. At no time during class did I ever hear him make any disparaging remarks toward any person or group.

During the summer class I attended, Hearlson lectured on the threat of terrorism. He expressed concern over the USS Cole attack and the link to Osama bin Laden. The lectures I attended had a group of Muslims in attendance; there were no derogatory comments at that time.

Hearlson has more courage than anyone I’ve met; he discusses unpopular issues that the public is completely unaware of or unwilling to discuss. Famine and war in Somalia, United States “police action” in Colombia and modern-day slavery taking place in Africa are just a few of the topics covered.

Hearlson’s personal involvement and true concern for these issues were also admirable. He provided insight along with information that would motivate students to act.

Do not judge Hearlson based on unfactual, short newspaper articles or 10-second sound bites on the local TV news; rather, consider the person as a whole. Even better, take time to learn about current events; take political science and meet Hearlson yourself.

Russ Baker

Costa Mesa