The higher education policy journal of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Academic aims to inform public policy by exploring an array of ideas and viewpoints from academics, outside researchers and policy makers. Each issue of American Academic focuses on a theme of critical concern and interest to higher education.

The American Federation of Teachers has just released a report, titled "Faculty Bias' Studies: Science or Propaganda?"  which examines eight "studies" that purport to demonstrate how the political beliefs of faculty are disproportionately liberal and influence what is taught, learned and professed on college campuses. The report concludes that these studies are severely flawed in their methodology, and make sweeping assumptions that invalidate the "findings."

"Objective research is essential, and, clearly, that is not being put forth by the authors of the studies analyzed in these reports," says AFT president Edward J. McElroy. "It doesn’t matter if you are conservative or liberal. Bad research and inaccurate characterizations are a disservice to academia and to the students who are its central concern."