Campus Reform: Suffolk University

Michael Avery, a professor at Suffolk University Law School, sent out a mass email in which he called a collection of care packages for U.S. military members stationed overseas "shameful" and described the U.S. armed services as men and women who have gone overseas to kill other human beings."

The email was sent out in response to a collection on campus for items such as sunblock and sanitary items to send to U.S. military members stationed overseas.  He also wrote that sympathy for American troops in harm's way is "not particularly rational in today's world."

Paul Spera, a past commander in chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, called the professor's argument "despicable."  "The shameful thing is that he's teaching our young people," he added.  "One of the things that we've learned from Vietnam is to separate the warriors from the war. You can be opposed to the war -- you can disagree with the tactics and the political decision involved -- but the individuals on the battle field are there protecting us," he said. 

 "Somebody has to stand up to this man," he continued, pointing out that the recipients of such care packages are willing to "lay their lives on the line for the freedoms that this man is abusing."  Spera is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army.

One of the state's Senators, Scott Brown, also condemned the remarks.  "I returned from Afghanistan recently. I know how much our troops value hearing from friends, neighbors, loved ones and even anonymous well-wishers who appreciate the job they are doing. It's sad there are still some people who fail to appreciate the selfless sacrifice of our military, but it makes me angry when they openly campaign to deprive our troops of the love and support they deserve," said Brown, who just returned from a trip to Afghanistan.  Senator Brown added "I wish Professor Avery could witness for himself the joy that a small gift can bring to a soldier, especially around the holidays. I encourage all Americans to keep our troops in their thoughts and prayers."

Students on campus disagreed with Spera's extreme leftist views.  "I don't think that reflects the overall feelings of Suffolk Law in general," says law student Marisa Roman. "Clearly it's a patriotic school; we have a huge American flag up in the atrium." The American flag is another target of Professor Avery's diatribes, who claims that flying the flag is "not a politically neutral act."  While this is in fact true, this is more a negative reflection on modern American liberalism than anything else.

While University officials are usually quick to condemn any conservative who says anything they disagree with, Suffolk University officials refused to condemn Professor Avery's statements.  Suffolk University president and provost Barry Brown issued a statement saying the school supported the "free exchange of ideas and robust debate" and respected the "right of our faculty members to exercise academic freedom."  Added Camille Nelson, dean of the university's law school, "I respect the right" of Avery to spew his venom against American soldiers."

In spite of the professor's vitriol, students plan to go ahead with the care package operation.  "There's individuals who really appreciate and need things we're sending," says student Kelly Bogua.  "I'm participating in it and I think a lot of people are regardless of the email. If anything, he really just discredited himself."

Regardless of our views of the various wars that Obama currently has us involved in, we should all support those who volunteer to put their lives on the line defending America and our freedoms.  For this professor to call a collection of care packages for our troops 'shameful' is itself shameful.  These students should be applauded for their selfless actions which they continue in spite of vitriolic and hateful attacks by leftist professors.

If left wing professors are spewing anti-patriotic hate against our country on your campus, contact your Regional Field Coordinator to learn how you can fight back!