‘Ecofeminism?” UW Course Confuses Lawmakers

This next Wyoming legislative session is a budget session. Wyoming's lawmakers are taking a close look at the state's budget, looking for waste and just useless spending wherever they can find it.

Imagine the surprise of lawmakers when they came across some unusual courses offered at the University of Wyoming that taxpayers help fund.

“I thought perhaps I would seek an undergraduate minor in sustainability,” said Ken Pendergraft (R-Sheridan). “And if I were to do so … I would have my choice of the following: ‘Social Justice in the 21st Century,’ ‘Environmental ethics,’ ‘Global Justice,’ ‘Environmental Justice,’ ‘Environmental Sociology,’ ‘Food, Health and Justice,’ ‘Diversity and Justice in Natural Resources,’ or perhaps my favorite: ‘Ecofeminism.’ After I got through with that, I would be treated to such other courses as ‘Global Climate Governance’ and ‘Diversity and Justice in Natural Resources.’”

“Those are courses that we just give students the option to take to fulfill the elective components of the minor.” Dean Temple Stoellinger said during the hearing.

The questioning during the meeting then centered on whether any of those courses were steeped in leftist ideology. Does UW offer some elective courses in conservative ideology? Why offer either? None of this can be used in any practical way in the real world.

“How is ecofeminism helpful for a student who wants to stay in Wyoming and work in Wyoming?” Pendergraft asked UW President Seidel.

“I do not have an answer to that question,” Seidel replied.

Stoellinger shared that the Haub School is largely funded by private donors, with about 20% or less of its funding, about $1.4 million, coming from the state.

The question that these lawmakers are contemplating is, why are Wyoming taxpayers shelling out $1.4 million for this?