Is anti-Semitism part of class?

Re “Investigation of professor is urged,” April 25

It should not surprise anyone that Kevin MacDonald cloaks his racist theory in academia in an attempt to make it socially acceptable, or at least open to debate. The Nazis did the same thing with their “studies” of the physiques of various races. What is most disturbing is the milquetoast language issued by Cal State Long Beach in its prepared statement. MacDonald asserts that Jews try to steer government policies in order to dilute the power of non-Jewish majorities. This is nothing but a new twist on the canard that Jews secretly plot to control the world. By characterizing his assertions as “knowledge,” the university implies that these statements are fact. The university may not be able to fire him, but its acceptance of MacDonald’s racist theory because of academic freedom is indefensible, and its choice of words is sickening.

GARY GROSS

Monterey Park

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The Southern Poverty Law Center wants Cal State Long Beach to investigate whether MacDonald is teaching anti-Semitism in his psychology classes. Nonsense. The SPLC can send someone to audit his classes, and it would have the answer immediately.

The SPLC is trying to intimidate MacDonald with that old threat of being labeled an anti-Semite. MacDonald researches the psychology of Jewish minority groups, and his findings are not always flattering. As one of his colleagues said, “It’s a radioactive topic.” That is no excuse to limit scholarship. The truth is its own defense.

PAMELA DE MAIGRET

Los Angeles