ASU Professors Engage Students in Bold Debates on “Dismantling Capitalism” and the Quest for a Female President

By Matthew Holloway |

Two professors from Arizona State University, Dr. Angela Lober and Jenny Irish, recently engaged students in a controversial discussion focused on dismantling capitalism and advocating for a female president to restore reproductive rights. During the one-hour session, they expressed stark views on women’s rights, with Lober stating that “the United States hates women and everything the female body does.”

The event, titled “Jenny Irish’s HATCH: A Speculative Future for Reproductive Rights,” was advertised through the ASU Events website. It aimed to prompt discussions on reproductive health amid ongoing societal issues, including climate change and misinformation. Participants were encouraged to pose questions and share comments on these critical topics.

Hatch, a collection of prose poems authored by Jenny Irish, tackles pressing social issues such as reproductive rights and climate crises. Described succinctly by ASU, the work delves into the contemporary sociopolitical landscape, addressing themes of gender and racial bias, disinformation, and the implications of artificial intelligence.

According to College Fix, the session took a grim turn, with Irish cautioning attendees about a potentially dystopian future marked by “cannibalism” and “forced breeding camps.” Her remarks suggested that current realities could lead to such extremes, while Lober acknowledged the emotional turbulence surrounding contemporary issues, stating, “The balance between hope and despair is an everyday experience for me.”

Irish also defended transgender rights, labeling the current climate an “all-out assault” on the trans community, describing it as “disgusting, immoral, and wrong.” When the subject of declining global birth rates came up, Lober dismissed concerns, arguing that overpopulation is a greater issue.

Karina Fitzgerald, the event’s coordinator, explained that the purpose was to inspire students engaged in creative pursuits. She highlighted the importance of exploring new ideas, and the event’s focus on “worldbuilding” as a valuable exercise for students in fiction writing.

Contrastingly, Dr. Owen Anderson, an ASU professor in Philosophy and Theology, criticized the political overtures of his colleagues. He emphasized that faculty should not utilize university resources to influence students’ political views, labeling such tactics as manipulative and a breach of ethical standards. “When will ASU hold such professors accountable?” he questioned.

Dr. Jonathan Turley from George Washington University remarked that while the professors are entitled to their viewpoints, the event’s rhetoric seemed excessively one-sided. He noted the necessity for balanced discussions in academia and emphasized that a more inclusive panel could enrich the conversation about capitalism and alternative systems.

Turley concluded that while debates on economic systems are essential, they should be presented in a manner that fosters educational growth rather than relying on emotional rhetoric.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.