Schoenbeck

Senator Lee Schoenbeck of Watertown, on the intellectual diversity bill, said "It's an embarrassing thing for a university system to oppose."  But a Democratic state Senator, who has the University of South Dakota in his district, opposed the bill.  Here's more from the AP:

The state Senate killed a bill Thursday that would have required South Dakota's public universities to file annual reports showing how they are ensuring academic freedom and promoting differing points of view.

Supporters of HB1222 said the reports would assure students that they will be exposed to a wide range of ideas and that state universities will respect those students' ideas.

"This is responsible legislation in light of our investment in our higher education system," said Sen. Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown.

He noted that there has been heavy lobbying against the measure. University system officials have argued against the bill.

"There must be a powerful lot of fear behind the idea of intellectual diversity," Schoenbeck said.

"It's an embarrassing thing for a university system to oppose," he added.

An opponent of HB1222, which failed 15-18, said no need has been shown for the measure.

"You're insinuating there's a problem that simply doesn't exist," said Sen. Ben Nesselhuf, D-Vermillion.

Nesselhuf said the bill is backed by an out-of-state group that seeks to promote conservative ideas on college campuses.

Similar measures have been offered in other states by those who feel there is an overwhelming liberal bias among university faculties.