Why are so many people in academia fans of communists?

Kate Haridan reports at the College Fix.

Rutgers U. spends week celebrating alumnus who championed communism

Rutgers University recently dedicated an entire week to celebrate Paul Robeson, an avowed communist who spoke out vehemently against the U.S. government during the post-WWII era.

Robeson, who graduated from Rutgers in 1919, once declared after a visit to the Soviet Union: “From what I have already seen of the workings of the Soviet government, I can only say that anyone who lifts his hand against it ought to be shot!”

The “I Am Robeson Week” Facebook page praised Robeson as “Rutgers University’s most esteemed alumnus” and “one of the most dynamic public figures of the 20th century with accolades as an athlete, actor, singer, cultural scholar, author, and international human rights activist.”

Blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his clear affiliation with communism and criticism of the U.S. government, the African American actor and singer was also investigated by the FBI for his advocacy of pro-Soviet policies.

Held last week, the commemoration included a talk entitled “Robeson: The Model Political Athlete,” a book signing with the author of “Paul Robeson: A Life of Activism and Art,” a screening of the movie of Robeson’s biography Here I Stand, and a tour of Robeson’s house in Philadelphia.

According to Biography.com, “Robeson earned a scholarship to attend Rutgers University, the third African American to do so, and became one of the institution’s most stellar students. He received top honors for his debate and oratory skills, won 15 letters in four varsity sports, was elected Phi Betta Kappa and became his class valedictorian.” And PBS notes Robeson “was one of the first black men to play serious roles in the primarily white American theater.”