Occidental College is facing allegations of ideological bias after the school decided not to renew the contract for an economic professor with conservative views. Despite being highly rated by students, Daron Djerdjian's contract was not renewed, prompting criticism from faculty, students, and alumni questioning the college's commitment to diversity and equity.
Occidental College, known for its illustrious alumni including former President Barack Obama, has come under fire after the school decided not to renew the contract of an economics professor with conservative views. Daron Djerdjian, who had taught at "Oxy" since 2010, enjoyed high student evaluations and was the only free-market professor on campus.
Occidental College Accused of Ideological Bias After Conservative Professor Axed
The private liberal arts college's mission statement emphasizes diversity and equity, but many believe that the institution's actions contradict these values. Economist Mark Skousen, who serves as adjunct faculty for an academic institute founded by Djerdjian, penned an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal questioning Occidental's commitment to diversity of political views.
"For all its talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion, Occidental College... doesn't seem keen on putting those values into practice," Skousen wrote. "Late last year, the economics department opted not to renew the contract of an untenured professor whose libertarian and conservative views went against the grain."
Occidental College Accused of Ideological Bias After Conservative Professor Axed
Students and faculty criticized the school for not renewing Djerdjian's contract, with around 400 students and alumni signing a petition asking the school to retain him. The petition highlighted the value of having diverse perspectives in the field of economics.
"This will be a colossal loss to his past, present, and prospective students, as well as to the marketplace of ideas at Occidental College and the world at large," the students wrote.
Occidental College Accused of Ideological Bias After Conservative Professor Axed
Faculty members also expressed dismay, with one source calling Djerdjian's dismissal "politically motivated." Another acknowledged the school's right to not renew his contract but lamented the loss of a valuable perspective for Oxy students.
Skousen alleged that the economics department at Occidental, once known for valuing diversity of thought, had shifted in recent years. He claimed that the department is now predominantly staffed by graduates from University of California schools who prioritize fair trade over free trade and emphasize government failure over market failure.
"Sadly, political diversity is dying at Oxy and is being replaced by less tolerant wokeness," Skousen argued.
Fox News Digital reached out to Djerdjian for comment but did not receive a response.
Occidental College declined to provide specific information about Djerdjian's contract termination, citing confidentiality. However, a spokesperson stated that the college values political and other forms of diversity and makes faculty appointment decisions based on curricular need, student demand, and other relevant criteria without regard to political affiliations.
The college's statement emphasized that non-tenure track faculty appointments are subject to change over time based on academic factors, underscoring that non-tenure track faculty may only be reappointed if there is a curricular need.
The controversy surrounding Djerdjian's dismissal has sparked a broader debate about ideological diversity on college campuses, with many questioning whether institutions are truly committed to fostering open and inclusive discourse.
