Cultural competence training in the context of civil liberties, academic freedom, and reverse prejudice: At least do no harm

Abstract

Cultural competence training does not occur acontextually. Historically, little work has been done on the extent to which standard cultural competence training interferes with basic civil liberties such as free speech, freedom to practice one’s religion, or even academic freedom. This chapter notes how the cultural sensitivity movement often ignores the religious dimension of cultures about which it claims it care. This movement possibly also ignores certain value positions (associated with particular religious traditions) which are anathema to secular leftist political views. In recent years, the cultural sensitivity movement has become more aggressive and serious infractions of civil liberties have occurred.