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Anthony Esolen facing pressure at Catholic college for criticism of ‘diversity’ agenda

November 02, 2016

Anthony Esolen, the noted author and literature scholar, is under heavy pressure at Providence College because of his outspoken defense of the school’s traditional “Western Civilization” curriculum and his rejection of calls for greater “diversity” in academic approach.

Esolen’s essays have drawn public criticism from the president of the Catholic college, and a group of faculty members have signed a statement—clearly aimed at Esolen—decrying “recent publications on the part of PC faculty have involved racist, xenophobic, misogynist, homophobic, and religiously chauvinist statements.”

In an interview with the American Conservative, Esolen responds at length, pointing out:

The dirty not-so-secret is that the same people who for many years have loathed our Development of Western Civilization program — the focus of curricular hostility — also despise the Catholic Church and wish to render the Catholic identity of the college merely nominal.

 


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  • Posted by: brenda22890 - Nov. 05, 2016 3:21 PM ET USA

    "If they did it to me, they will do it to you"... Professor Esolen's work is wonderful and heartening to all of us who thrive on knowing there are many others in our corner. I will certainly pray for Prof. Esolen and hope others will too.

  • Posted by: [email protected] - Nov. 04, 2016 11:18 PM ET USA

    Sounds like the Board of the College should exam their hearts and souls and call the president of the college to explain his/her terrible attitude. Pray for the good professor and the truth.

  • Posted by: FredC - Nov. 03, 2016 12:04 PM ET USA

    If Esolen and his program are not allowed to continue, it will be PC's loss and probably will cause a decrease in enrollment. I hope many of the truly Catholic colleges will offer him a position. His writings are inspiring.

  • Posted by: dover beachcomber - Nov. 02, 2016 9:28 PM ET USA

    Another corner of the shadow cast at Land-o-Lakes 50 years ago.

  • Posted by: Bernadette - Nov. 02, 2016 7:38 PM ET USA

    Pray for Prof. Esolen that he remain firm in his Catholic faith amid the persecution. These are difficult and very trying times and no doubt will become worse. So gird your loins, your faithful Catholics. The persecution is increasing. Will we be up to the task before us? "When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith upon the earth?"

  • Posted by: DanS - Nov. 02, 2016 7:04 PM ET USA

    Thanks be to God for Prof. Esolen!