READERS RESPOND -- Writers lend support to OCC professor

I am writing in support of Kenneth Hearlson. I recently had the

pleasure of taking Hearlson’s political science class during the past

summer at Orange Coast College.

Hearlson is a professor who puts a great deal of passion into what he

teaches. Discussions of oppressive political, religious and economic

events throughout the world are controversial. Lectures conducted by

Hearlsonwere thought-provoking, challenging and sometimes edgy. At no

time during class did I ever hear him say any disparaging remarks toward

any person or group.

During the summer class I attended, Hearlson lectured about the threat

of foreign and domestic terrorism. He expressed concern over the USS Cole

attack and the link to Osama bin Laden. The lectures I attended had a

group of Muslims in attendance, and there were no derogatory comments at

that time.

Hearlson has more courage than anyone I’ve met; he discusses unpopular

issues that the public is completely unaware of or unwilling to discuss.

Famine and war in Somalia, United States’ “police action” in Columbia and

modern-day black on black slavery taking place in Africa are just a few

of the topics covered in this class that the media does not address.

Hearlson’s personal involvement and true concern for these issues was

also admirable. He provided a great deal of personal insight along with

additional information that would motivate students to act.

Do not judge Hearlson based on fact-less, short newspaper articles.

Rather consider the person as a whole. Even better, take time to learn

about current events few care about. Take political science and meet

Hearlson yourself.

I wish the best for Hearlson. I hope he continues teaching for at

least the next 13 years. At that time my children will be college age,

and I can tell them about a political science class with a great

professor named Hearlson.

RUSS BAKER

Costa Mesa

I am a student at OCC. Since Hearlson’s temporary dismissal from his

teaching duties, I and many other students in his classes have had our

learning put on hold. Our political science class is required for

transfer and although many students don’t care how they get through the

semester as long as they get through with a passing grade, I am not one

of these students. I take my schooling very seriously and take my

teachers even more seriously.

When I read the article (“Comments land OCC instructor on leave,”

Sept. 21), I was shocked. This is a political science class and some

students may not agree with the hotly debated subject matter involving

current events and could be offended. On the first day of class, Hearlson

explained this to us and suggested that those who thought they might be

offended by his opinions ought to drop his class. As soon as he said

this, I knew I might disagree with some of his views and beliefs, but I

am adult enough to respect the fact that we are all entitled to our own

opinions.

Hearlson and I are not of the same religious beliefs, but I respect

what he believes in, as I am sure he respects mine. I was not in the

Tuesday class where the offense is said to have occurred. I am in his

Monday-Wednesday class, and he did not act any differently on Wednesday

than on Monday. He treated the class the same as he had every other prior

meeting.

Political science is a very difficult class for many students to

comprehend. It’s a topic that until recently was of no interest to me,

but the way Hearlson taught, he actually got me interested by doing

something different; he didn’t teach straight from the book using boring

big words that made it hard for us to understand and that would only lose

us.

He used this horrible terrorist act in a positive way to teach us

about our nation and our government. We learned about things that only a

U.S. citizen who once wore a U.S. military uniform and once defended our

country would be capable of teaching. Hearlson made us feel patriotic, he

helped us understand the current issues of our country.

The following Monday was no shock to me. I keep up on current events.

I knew we would have a substitute and although I know nothing of his

background, I knew he would get nothing out of our class. We wanted our

teacher, not a stand-in. I took this personally, and I do even more now

that a week has passed and I have learned absolutely nothing.

In Hearlson’s last week, I learned an amazing amount about our country

and the war the United States will face and what it will mean to us as

the children/young adults whose friends, families, brothers, sisters and

possibly even ourselves might be required to participate in. Hearlson

made us feel American. He told us of things we could do to help and made

us feel as though we were personally involved.

Our learning has been put on hold. It is impossible for us to learn

without our teacher. This has possibly ruined my whole semester now with

word that Hearlson may be gone for three weeks if not indefinitely. Our

new teacher has new ideas for us, new test questions and even a new book

we have to buy. He also does not wish to discuss current issues in a

current issues class. I want Hearlson back; without him, my education is

on hold.

HEATHER PAPPAS

Costa Mesa