McWhorter: Academics Are Really, Really Worried About Their Freedom

Yes they are.

As...ahem...outspoken, to put it euphemistically...as I am, even I have begun to do calculations before I speak up sometimes. Even purely from a perspective of principle, you have to take care not to be branded a deplorable, else nothing else you say will matter.

And, of course, there are prudential arguments. I have no marketable skills. If I get fired--which wouldn't surprise me--we're all screwed. Me, JQ, the pups, and a relative who depends on us for some financial assistance.