A controversial article written by a University of Michigan professor titled “It’s Okay To Hate Republicans” appears to have been removed from the website where it was originally published, In These Times, before being republished under the title “We Can’t All Just Get Along.”
The new piece also includes the following editor’s note:
“This article was originally titled “We Can’t All Just Get Along” in the print version of the magazine. The title was then changed, without the author’s knowledge or approval, to “It’s Okay to Hate Republicans.” The author rejects the online title as not representative of the piece or its main points. Her preferred title has been restored.”
The article — in which Communications Department head Susan J. Douglas details how much she hates Republicans and why it’s okay to hate them — sparked widespread controversy after being brought to light by a National Review Online piece on Wednesday.
The new version of the article, with its less confrontational title, still begins with “I hate Republicans.”
The cached version with the original title can be found here.
National Review Online has contacted the University of Michigan, Douglas and In These Times inquiring about the reason for the removal, and is awaiting a response.
Michigan has, however, released the following blanket statement about the controversy:
The views expressed are those of the individual faculty member and not those of the University of Michigan. Faculty freedom of expression, including in the public sphere, is one of the core values of our institution. At the same time, the university must and will work vigilantly to ensure students can express diverse ideas and perspectives in a respectful environment and without fear of reprisal. The university values viewpoint diversity and encourages a wide range of opinions.
Note that the statement makes no mention of what will happen to Douglas specifically and/or who decided the story should be removed.
— Katherine Timpf is a reporter for National Review Online.