I am not sure Peter Fitzgerald of Carleton University is living in the same universe I am. He is quoted in an article critical of the Middle East Forum web site (Bulletin, Oct. 2002), which lists professors of Middle East studies critical of the political positions taken by the United States government. According to the article, he states: "I would hope that any academic would find the idea of collecting information and assembling 'dossiers' on the classroom teaching of colleagues to be both bizarre and repugnant."

Perhaps that is the situation in his institution. At mine, however - and in practically every university I know - evaluation of a professor's teaching by students and colleagues is a rather routine experience, and often a very public one.

The larger question the article raises is whether academic freedom means an individual professor is immune from public scrutiny and criticism. I do not believe in such mythical "ivory towers." Assuming things said or written in public deserve open and public discussion - which is what I thought the academy was for - then those advocating certain positions should not mind that the positions they advocate become public.

It is dismaying to think that, considering the many real problems facing CAUT, the CAUT leadership should be engaged in an active attempt to suppress public scrutiny and discussion of scholars' positions.

Ira Robinson
Religion, Concordia University