BC's Faculty: Decidedly Liberal | The Observer at Boston College

This article was originally published in the February 8, 1984 issue of The Observer. Volume 3, Number 1.

CREDIT: University Archives, John J. Burns Library, Boston College

A survey designed to determine the general political outlook of the Boston College Arts faculty was conducted last week by Observer staff members. Departments which deal to some extent with social and political issues were primarily targeted. Though most surveyed hailed from the departments of sociology, history, theology, philosophy, economics, psychology, and political science, a few others were included in final compilation (see right).

The results should reflect with a reasonable degree of accuracy the political nature of these departments. Seventy-eight professors, all selected at random, of an approximate total 180 responded to the survey.

The poll shows that the instructors of these departments maintain a predominantly liberal outlook on the most important current issues, which, we speculate, may be attributed to the sense of “progressiveness” cherished by many educators, or to the observation that a large precentage of the faculty is fortyish, making them sixties’ educated, or to the fact that teachers in general draw more benefits from a “liberal” establishment. Also,as illustrated by the lack of Republicans in those surveyed, residence in Massachusetts is a major influence on the make-up of the faculty.

Several observations are noteworthy. Female members of the faculty were decidedly the most liberal of the sub-groups. The majority selected the most “liberal” answer to every question. All but one would opt for a nuclear freeze and all favored personal choice abortion (Seventeen women responded.)

The Jesuits were also relatively left of center. Mondale was a unanimous choice over Reagan and most were critical of the Administration’s foreign policy. Many, however, supported the deployment of Euromissiles. Unsurprisingly, every Jesuit opposed abortion. (7 Jesuits responded)

The sociology department gets most radical laurels (though History is a close runner-up). All but two supported a nuclear freeze; all condemned present foreign policy; all but two would abolish all handguns; all would select Mondale over Reagan; all but one favored pro-choice abortion. From the sociology department came the dark horse candidates for the Democratic nomination, including four for Jesse Jackson, two for Alan Cranston, one for George McGovern, and one write-in for Mo Udall. (14 members responded).

From the Political Science and Economics departments came the most varied and the only conservative responses. Two-thirds favored the deployment of the Euromissiles; almost half would vote for Reagan; and only three supported a nuclear freeze. The only responsdents selecting a strong deterrent on the nuclear issue and opposing affirmative action hailed from the Economics department. (12 from Economics, 6 from Political Science)

Overall, fifteen members of the faculty expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic presidential candidates and declined to select one in the questionnaire.

Only four professors refused to participate in the survey, saying that the questions were too personal. All were women. A good percentage expressed concern that their name might be misused in print and requested anonymity.

CREDIT: University Archives, John J. Burns Library, Boston College

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