A fascinating case being argued before the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reveals the University of Louisville’s hostility toward science and the First Amendment when a professor’s conclusions aren’t politically acceptable. Dr. Alan Josephson, a respected professor of child psychiatry, is now arguing that he was wrongly fired in 2017. In a span of seven weeks, he went from Chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to unemployed. His crime? Making the following statements on a public panel:
• The “notion that gender identity should trump chromosomes, hormones, internal reproductive organs, external genitalia, and secondary sex characteristics when classifying individuals is counter to medical science.”
• “Transgender ideology neglects the child’s need for developing coping and problem-solving skills necessary to meet developmental challenges.”
• Parents should “use their collective wisdom in guiding their child to align with his or her biological sex.”
Since when did a medical doctor’s perspective based on science become a firing offense?
Josephson’s attorney, Travis C. Barham with Alliance Defending Freedom, said, “Whether you agree with Dr. Josephson, whether you disagree with Dr. Josephson on the issue, we should all be in favor of the idea that professors should be able to express (their views) freely, without censorship and without punishment.” Such sentiment makes sense to Kentuckians across the political divide, but legal recourse seems to be the only way to move U of L’s administration out of its leftwing echo chamber where only certain views are acceptable, regardless of the science.
The University’s action and obstinance raises the question of whether or not a medical professional should be able to rely on scientific sources. Regardless of one’s perspective on gender transitioning minors, Dr. Josephson’s arguments have scientific merit. In the United Kingdom, the recent Cass Review led the National Health Service to stop prescribing puberty blockers to minors. And medical professionals in the United States are finally catching up. Over 20 states have banned or significantly limited gender transition procedures, protecting the bodily integrity of gender dysphoric minors.
Public universities are supported by public tax dollars. Since this is the case, these schools have an obligation to welcome diverse viewpoints expressed by the public. Public universities also have an obligation to the truth, scientific inquiry, and the free exchange of ideas. So why is Josephson, a leading scholar, under fire for expressing a common opinion supported by both scientific evidence and clear moral warrant?
U of L’s intolerance toward opposing views like Josephson’s undermines the liberal spirit of free inquiry and exchange that should animate the university. Critics contend this is the latest example of Leftist control of academia engaged in a campaign of ideological uniformity. And it’s wearing thin outside its ivory tower. Radical gender ideology activism under the banner of science hurts the university’s credibility. Basic moral and scientific truths are sacrificed. And disregarded are the majority of Kentuckians, who are responsible for financially supporting and participating in the intellectual life of the University of Louisville.
This debate is much bigger than one professor and one hotly debated issue. The purpose of the university is at stake as well. Isn’t it interesting how Left-wing activists accuse conservatives of book banning and embracing anti-science superstition, while in this case they are clearly rejecting science and canceling professors who dare share its conclusions? The 6th Circuit will render a judgment soon. The court of public opinion on U of L’s actions hinges on it owning up to its mistakes.