it is clearly a litmus test to how dangerous the public education system finds her writings

I swear I never heard of her until a few years ago...not sure how that happened, but I'm seething mad about it on some level all the time.

So Donway and Kelley go waaaaay back. :)

I could see that happening.... I can guess who would start it too.

That's great that they were exposed to Rand in high school. I'm not sure if I wasn't paying attention but I don't remember hearing her name at all. One of the most influential writers of all time should be studied and taught in HS and college.

when my kids were in high school, they all had to do a senior paper on what they considered to be an important literary work. My daughter said every year someone would pick something of AR, she picked AS for her paper, but they would always sweat it that the teacher wouldn't approve the selection. As far as I know, they were always approved. My son's girlfriend in high school, was a finalist in an essay contest that ARI runs nationwide for college scholarships so it's not as if there is no influence trickling in. I do think by college, professors give AR such a bad rap that students are quiet in class discussions about how profoundly they were influenced when they read one of her novels. and that's where it breaks down. Such an influential novel should be on an english lit syllabus whether one agrees with the philosophy or not. Objectivism should be taught in philosophy classes looking at major 20th century philosophical movements, but it is not (well, not at most).
There are many novels which show up on business/economic syllabuses demonstrating economic theory. AS? nowhere to be found. I'm still of the idea that getting the movies into HS and college settings with discussion afterwards is a great idea. and I like the david kelley youtube 10 minute or so snippets using scenes from the movie to illustrate Objectivist points. wdonway tells a great story of back in the day he set up an Objectivist club at Brown University and the first meeting only his brother showed up with a friend. It was a disappointing first turn-out-but, that friend his brother brought? none other than David Kelley.

At my school I think most wouldn't know who Ayn Rand was....the ones that do probably heard her name from me, but still know very little... A few might have a mini stink because they're lefties who believe lies...I seriously doubt any have read her...or appreciate her philosophy.

As for muslim day..... they'd be on board for the most part...they'd like to keep their jobs and pensions and they sure don't want to offend anyone....there'd be a few whispers of "wtf" and several screams, a door slam, and the quick exit of myself.

Boy, that paints a grim and pathetic picture of the morals of those that supposedly teach our children. Blech!

The thing I have noticed is that many people that don't like Ayn Rand have not read her books. I think they were told by someone on the left to hate her and they go with it. I am guessing they would start by saying "who" and then someone would tell a bunch of lies about her and calamity would ensue.

My guess is she would definitely have an opinion.

hmmm, let's ask Pamela Geller