The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America

The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America profiles 101 university professors whom author David Horowitz identifies as promoting radical ideologies in American higher education. Published in 2006, the book examines faculty members' writings, statements, and political activities. Horowitz presents detailed cases against educators he claims are undermining academic standards through their political activism and classroom conduct. The work emerged in the wake of controversies surrounding academic freedom and political bias on college campuses, particularly following the Ward Churchill affair at the University of Colorado. The book compiles extensive documentation including quotes, published works, and public statements to build profiles of the selected professors. Each entry examines the subject's career, teachings, and political positions that Horowitz considers problematic. The work stands as a polarizing critique of American academia, raising questions about the boundaries between academic freedom and political advocacy in higher education. Its central argument connects to broader debates about ideological diversity and institutional bias in university settings.

Readers criticize the book for making accusations without substantial evidence and taking quotes out of context. Many reviewers note Horowitz appears to target professors primarily for holding left-wing views rather than demonstrating actual classroom misconduct. Positive reviews praise the book for exposing perceived political bias in academia and appreciate Horowitz's documentation of professor statements and writings. Common criticisms: - Relies heavily on second-hand sources and selective quotes - Makes assumptions about classroom conduct without direct evidence - Includes professors based on political views rather than teaching practices - Contains factual errors about professors' work and statements Ratings: Amazon: 3.5/5 (164 reviews) Goodreads: 3.2/5 (89 reviews) Sample reader comment: "The book presents concerning examples but often jumps to conclusions without showing the full context of statements or classroom behavior." - Amazon reviewer Another notes: "More focused on attacking political views than proving actual academic misconduct." - Goodreads reviewer

Tenured Radicals by Roger Kimball A critique of left-wing ideologies in American universities through case studies of professors and their teachings.

The Diversity Delusion by Heather Mac Donald An examination of identity politics and political correctness in higher education institutions across America.

Indoctrination U by David Horowitz A continuation of The Professors that expands on political bias in university departments and curriculum choices.

The University We Need by Warren Treadgold An analysis of contemporary academic culture that documents the transformation of American universities from educational institutions to political entities.

Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom A philosophical investigation into how higher education has moved away from classical education toward relativism and political activism.

🎓 Prior to writing this book, Horowitz was actually a prominent leftist activist in the 1960s before dramatically shifting to conservative politics in the 1970s. 📚 The book's publication in 2006 led to the creation of multiple faculty defense organizations and sparked new academic freedom policies at several universities. 🏫 Many of the profiled professors came from prestigious institutions, with 17 from Columbia University alone, making it the most represented school in the book. ⚖️ The book inspired state-level legislative proposals in at least 18 states attempting to regulate "political bias" in university classrooms. 🔍 Following the book's release, at least five of the profiled professors reported receiving death threats, leading to increased campus security measures at their institutions.