LONDON (October 19, 1995) - We are pleased to announce that Fp members Doreen Kimura and Kenneth H. W. Hilborn were among those elected to the University of Western Ontario's (UWO) 91-seat senate. The senate has extensive powers affecting everything from race relations and sexual harassment policies to broader academic matters on campus.
In the shaping of this philosophical environment, Kimura and Hilborn have already made an impact. Hilborn cites the deletion of a restrictive phrase within UWO's policy on academic freedom as an example of their influence. The phrase, guaranteeing "the right (of professors) to speak freely on campus in the conduct of academic duties," while sounding like a guarantee of such freedom, effectively LIMITED that freedom TO the campus, leaving the question of free speech off the campus as an issue that could restrict academic freedom.
Not surprisingly, both Kimura and Hilborn were supported by the Society of Academic Freedom and Scholarship (SAFS) in their quest for senate seats. However, their interest in affecting policies regarding race and sex is far more than simply 'academic.' Both are involved in research and work directly related to politically sensitive issues, and both have drawn conclusions or expressed opinions not deemed to be 'politically correct.'
A historian and specialist on 20th century international relations at UWO, Hilborn was the centre of controversy in April of 1995 when his Cult of the Victim, published by C-FAR (Canadians for Foreign Aid Reform), was brought to the attention of the Reform Party. Because he was a member of the Reform Party at the time, the party subjected him to an investigation reviewing his party membership. Media reports ludicrously drew vague associations between Hilborn and "known racists," citing his involvement with groups like the World Anti-Communist League as examples of links to racist organisations.
As a professor in Psychology, Kimura's work has been highly cited in scientific journals. In 1992, she wrote a widely-read article on sex differences in brain organisation for Scientific American. With over 70 other articles having been published in various scientific journals and books, her book Neuromotor Mechanisms In Human Communication was published by Oxford University Press in 1993. She was also the founding president of SAFS.
Both Hilborn and Kimura have had articles published in Freedom Party's alternate newsletter, Consent. We wish them all the best with their continued influence on UWO's senate.
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last updated on April 28, 2002
