Meaning: The quote you provided is from David Horowitz, an American conservative writer and political commentator. In this quote, Horowitz is addressing the criticism he has faced from his opponents who accuse him of seeking to purge university faculties of leftist professors. He refutes this accusation by stating that the first provision of the Academic Bill of Rights, a set of principles he has advocated for, is that no professor should be hired or fired because of their political views. Horowitz emphasizes that he has never called for the firing of any professor for their political views and would not do so.

David Horowitz has been a prominent figure in conservative and right-wing circles, known for his provocative and controversial viewpoints on issues such as academia, free speech, and left-wing bias in education. The quote reflects his stance on academic freedom and his opposition to the perceived politicization of university faculties.

In the context of the quote, Horowitz is addressing the criticism and accusations leveled against him by his opponents. The accusation of seeking to purge university faculties of leftist professors suggests a concerted effort to remove or marginalize academics with left-leaning or progressive political views. This accusation is often associated with broader debates about academic freedom, ideological diversity in higher education, and the role of political bias in shaping the academic environment.

By asserting that he does not support the firing of professors based on their political views, Horowitz is positioning himself as an advocate for academic freedom and intellectual diversity. The reference to the Academic Bill of Rights underscores his commitment to principles that safeguard the rights of professors to express their political views without facing punitive action from their institutions.

It is important to note that the Academic Bill of Rights, championed by Horowitz, has been a subject of contention and debate. While proponents argue that it promotes intellectual diversity and protects academic freedom, critics have raised concerns about its potential impact on university governance, faculty hiring practices, and the autonomy of academic institutions. The quote serves as a defense of Horowitz's position on this issue and seeks to clarify his stance in the face of criticism.

Overall, this quote offers insight into David Horowitz's perspective on the relationship between academic freedom and political ideology within university settings. It reflects his position on the rights of professors to express diverse political views without facing repercussions in hiring or firing decisions. The quote also highlights the broader societal and political debates surrounding ideological diversity, free speech, and the perceived influence of left-wing perspectives in higher education.