A recent James vs. James article entitled "Political’ Professors: Freedom of Speech or Liberal Brainwashing?" sparked discussion among faculty that culminated in an hour-long open forum about classroom politics.

The event was held at the California History Center last Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m.

The James vs. James article in the Jan. 30 issue of La Voz addressed http://www.UCLAprofs.com, a Web site that offers $100 to students who can tape their professors teaching outrageously liberal positions.

Philosophy Professor Cynthia Kaufman called such efforts "a new McCarthyism."

"There’s actually an organized campaign to shut down left wing views on campuses, and I think it’s really scary," she said.

James Schulte, one of the authors of the James vs. James article, defended the McCarthyism. He said that when the KGB files were opened in the 1990s, historians found that many of those accused by McCarthy were paid communist agents, including the Rosenbergs.

Several students with a variety of political opinions offered their own advice.

Students can make a difference if only by not talking, said Yessenia Ramirez, a student Senator.

"If they disagree, by not feeding into the conversation they’re doing their part," said Ramirez.

Sanjeet Heter, another student senator, disagreed.

"When one student speaks up, that one student empowers individuals around them," she said.