<p>In South Carolina, we have two basic types of politicians, Republicans and Republicans. One is of the very religious conservative persuasion (generally from the Upstate area) and the other is more fiscally conservative with less concern on ‘social’ issues. This book thing, which CofC wasn’t the only one targeted in the state, was one of those things where we see one type of Republican battling for something they deem morally offensive. It happens - yes. </p>
<p>The good news is that both the Board of Trustees and the faculty are taking it in stride. They are not allowing this small budget cut (the exact amount of the cost of the program) to dictate their choices for future reading selections. Usually these things die down as they often do. The biggest complaint I’ve heard from parents and students alike was just that the book wasn’t that good. </p>
<p>South Carolina is a very conservative state, as are many other states. However, we rarely see our higher educational system impacted one way or the other by politics. Occasionally it happens but the end result is usually the same - it blows over. I imagine politics, both left and right, have impacted other colleges throughout the nation and likely with the same result - it’s a hot button issue for a short time but then just dies on the vine.</p>