Apology from Economics Department: Remarks by lecturer not representative of department's views
Issue date: 11/11/08 Section: Opinion
To the Loyola Community:
The officials and members of the Adam Smith Society and the Economics faculty wish to apologize for the insensitive and incorrect remarks made Thursday, November 6 by invited speaker Professor Walter Block of Loyola University New Orleans.
Professor Block's response to a question about the differences between average earnings of African-Americans and whites in America, which maintained that the disparity could be explained by differences in average productivity, was offensive, and we are sincerely sorry for it.
It is important to note that the remark was offensive not just because it was racially insensitive, but because it was erroneous and indicated poor-quality scholarship. There is ample scholarly evidence that, after adjusting for productivity-related characteristics (e.g., years of schooling, work experience, union and industry status, etc.) a considerable wage gap remains. This gap is likely explained by employment discrimination. For a fuller discussion of this issue, see J. Gwartney and R. Stroup, Microeconomics, 12th Edition (2009), pp. 292-4.
Professor Block's remarks also included offensive comments regarding the source of wage disparities between men and women. We are deeply sorry for these remarks and the harm they have caused.
In short, economists are well aware of the existing gender and racial injustice in America and are conducting much useful research to help overcome it. Furthermore, we are united as a department in refusing to tolerate or sympathize with gender or racial prejudice in any form.
We appreciate the thoughtful questions and responses we've received from members of the Loyola community, particularly its students, and we look forward to continued dialogue on topics of great importance such as this one.
The Loyola College Economics Department
The officials and members of the Adam Smith Society and the Economics faculty wish to apologize for the insensitive and incorrect remarks made Thursday, November 6 by invited speaker Professor Walter Block of Loyola University New Orleans.
Professor Block's response to a question about the differences between average earnings of African-Americans and whites in America, which maintained that the disparity could be explained by differences in average productivity, was offensive, and we are sincerely sorry for it.
It is important to note that the remark was offensive not just because it was racially insensitive, but because it was erroneous and indicated poor-quality scholarship. There is ample scholarly evidence that, after adjusting for productivity-related characteristics (e.g., years of schooling, work experience, union and industry status, etc.) a considerable wage gap remains. This gap is likely explained by employment discrimination. For a fuller discussion of this issue, see J. Gwartney and R. Stroup, Microeconomics, 12th Edition (2009), pp. 292-4.
Professor Block's remarks also included offensive comments regarding the source of wage disparities between men and women. We are deeply sorry for these remarks and the harm they have caused.
In short, economists are well aware of the existing gender and racial injustice in America and are conducting much useful research to help overcome it. Furthermore, we are united as a department in refusing to tolerate or sympathize with gender or racial prejudice in any form.
We appreciate the thoughtful questions and responses we've received from members of the Loyola community, particularly its students, and we look forward to continued dialogue on topics of great importance such as this one.
The Loyola College Economics Department
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 19
Loyola Student
posted 11/12/08 @ 5:43 PM EST
How is it racist to take a position and then back it up with statistics?
Loyola anti-PC Police
posted 11/12/08 @ 8:58 PM EST
It's a bit ridiculous that the school issued an apology like this. The school pandered to a misinterpretation of his views and ideals. How come none of these people that are claiming they were offended went up to Block after the lecture to discuss in more detail? Why didn't they leave the lecture? His remark about the racial wage gap was qualified by saying that the lack of productivity may exist because of educational differences. (Continued…)
Not surprised
posted 11/12/08 @ 9:05 PM EST
Unedited version:
We wish to apologize for the remarks made Thursday, November 6 by invited speaker Professor Walter Block of Loyola University New Orleans. (Continued…)
Ben
posted 11/14/08 @ 2:58 AM EST
If you adjust for IQ the wage gap between blacks & whites actually disapears.
The suppression of debate about group differences continues. This is incredible as not many people deny the theory of evolution. (Continued…)
M
posted 11/14/08 @ 4:42 PM EST
Controlling for IQ removes 100% of all wage gaps between all groups of people. Problem solved. Just run the AFQT analysis yourself
Smack MacDougal
posted 11/17/08 @ 1:50 PM EST
Loyola Maryland is a 100th rate education institution.
It's doubtful that without taxpayers' subsidies, direct and indirect, that Loyola Maryland could remain in business. (Continued…)
Alex Knepper
posted 11/17/08 @ 4:52 PM EST
Oh, wow. This is really, really embarrassing.
If the evidence doesn't conform to the original instinct, then obviously it's the evidence that must be wrong, eh? Typical left-wing trash. (Continued…)
Concerned Student
posted 11/17/08 @ 6:55 PM EST
I agree with some of these comments. This apology comes on the heels of several emails from the Administration and the Student Government Assoc. about "tolerance", the most ridiculous of which was about "offensive" Halloween costumes. (Continued…)
Recent Alumni
posted 11/18/08 @ 10:14 AM EST
As a graduate of Loyola with an Econ degree, I am ashamed of the Adminstration's and Department's response to Dr. Block's lecture. Even if the material was thought the be incorrect, then it should be challenged academically, not emotionally and politically. (Continued…)
Casey Roebuck
posted 11/20/08 @ 1:14 AM EST
Wow, how about the economic professors that were all butt-hurt attach their names to these allegations of "poor-quality scholarship."
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