2008 Woodie Awards
Bill O'Reilly to become SMC faculty member
FOX's celebrated syndicated talk-show host best known for finally giving a voice to rich, white men comes to campus
T.Cruise & R.Thomas
Issue date: 4/4/06 Section: April Fool's
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In a move to bring some political parity to the Politics department, Saint Mary's has added on syndicated talk show host Bill O'Reilly to the staff. According to inside sources, O'Reilly signed a contract reportedly worth over half a million dollars to teach this fall semester.
According to the department and many of their students, this move comes as a shock. When asked about his appointment, Professor Weissman, head of the Politics department, had no comment.
However, many students responded with a great deal of distress. "No way, there is an acknowledged conservative in the politics department," said Shandon Griffin '07, (in an extremely surprising change of heart). "That's disgusting." Other students have called it "disgraceful and ridiculous."
Many have said that if O'Reilly is hired they would switch majors. Sander Van der Heide '06 said, "I can't be in the same room as that Republican. He stands for everything I don't. He's from FOX News a.k.a. fair and unbalanced."
On the other hand, some students are excited about the prospect being taught by a nationally renowned author and political analyst. "Whether you like his opinions or not, you have to respect the guy. He is very successful and deserves a lot of praise for the accomplishments he has made in his life," said Laci Jackson, '06.
Both student body political groups also issued statements on the hiring. The SMC Republicans expectantly met the hire with open arms. "Finally, I don't have to continue to hear anti-Bush sentiments in one of my classes. Hey, we might even talk about the United States in a positive manner," said one member.
Progressives, also as expected, chastised the move: "This takes the school back fifty years. We want to promote progressive ideas and all they're doing is turning the clock back on our club," said Jaime Zepeda '07, of the Progressives.
Although it has not been confirmed, speculation is that O'Reilly will teach three politics classes and 19th and 20th century seminar. The titles of the three politics classes will be Domestic Borders in the United States, Conservative Politics in the 21st century, and A Failed Campaign: The John Kerry Saga.
According to the department and many of their students, this move comes as a shock. When asked about his appointment, Professor Weissman, head of the Politics department, had no comment.
However, many students responded with a great deal of distress. "No way, there is an acknowledged conservative in the politics department," said Shandon Griffin '07, (in an extremely surprising change of heart). "That's disgusting." Other students have called it "disgraceful and ridiculous."
Many have said that if O'Reilly is hired they would switch majors. Sander Van der Heide '06 said, "I can't be in the same room as that Republican. He stands for everything I don't. He's from FOX News a.k.a. fair and unbalanced."
On the other hand, some students are excited about the prospect being taught by a nationally renowned author and political analyst. "Whether you like his opinions or not, you have to respect the guy. He is very successful and deserves a lot of praise for the accomplishments he has made in his life," said Laci Jackson, '06.
Both student body political groups also issued statements on the hiring. The SMC Republicans expectantly met the hire with open arms. "Finally, I don't have to continue to hear anti-Bush sentiments in one of my classes. Hey, we might even talk about the United States in a positive manner," said one member.
Progressives, also as expected, chastised the move: "This takes the school back fifty years. We want to promote progressive ideas and all they're doing is turning the clock back on our club," said Jaime Zepeda '07, of the Progressives.
Although it has not been confirmed, speculation is that O'Reilly will teach three politics classes and 19th and 20th century seminar. The titles of the three politics classes will be Domestic Borders in the United States, Conservative Politics in the 21st century, and A Failed Campaign: The John Kerry Saga.