Opposition Grows Against OSU Course on Blowing Up Pipelines
Now we’re teaching our kids how to become eco-terrorists? In Ohio?? It seems the answer to that is YES. Ohio State University (OSU) has a geography class that teaches “the political economy of climate change and the political philosophy of climate justice.” One of the books to be used in the course is: “How to Blow Up a Pipeline.” Ring any bells? There was a movie released with the same title last year (see Eco-Terrorists Release Film Detailing “How to Blow Up a Pipeline”). Apparently, the movie is based on the book. And somebody at OSU thought it would be a good idea to brainwash college students into becoming eco-terrorists and planned to use the book in a course…until the O&G industry noticed and exposed this intellectual rot to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The course is now on hold.
3/27/24 UPDATE: We have included a brief update and comment by OSU below.
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