I just love it when “open-minded” academic liberals work so hard to silence someone whose research and conclusions do not toe their leftist line.  It never ceases to amaze me that these people will defend “academic freedom” in cases such as extremist Ward Churchill (University of Colorado), but will try to force out Dr. William Gray, a man at the top of his field, because he objects to their politics.

By pioneering the science of seasonal hurricane forecasting and teaching 70 graduate students who now populate the National Hurricane Center and other research outposts, William Gray turned a city far from the stormy seas into a hurricane research mecca.

But now the institution in Fort Collins, Colo., where he has worked for nearly half a century, has told Gray it may end its support of his seasonal forecasting.

As he enters his 25th year of predicting hurricane season activity, Colorado State University officials say handling media inquiries related to Gray’s forecasting requires too much time and detracts from efforts to promote other professors’ work.

But Gray, a highly visible and sometimes acerbic skeptic of climate change, says that’s a “flimsy excuse” for the real motivation — a desire to push him aside because of his global warming criticism.

Among other comments, Gray has said global warming scientists are “brainwashing our children.”

Reaffirming the left’s position that they will defend your right to say anything you want… as long as you agree with them.  If not, shut up.

UPDATE: 4/30/2008 9:20AM: The situation seems to be calming a bit…