Reading, writing, arithmetic and conservatism. It doesn't flow as well, but if a group of Republican lawmakers get its way, it might soon be the list of standard subjects taught at higher education institutions.

About 20 Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House say universities are not teaching conservative views. They want universities to adopt a bill of rights to encourage balanced political views in classrooms, as well as make sure the schools recruit politically diverse professors.

It is pathetic that higher education institutions, which are supposed to be breeding grounds for diverse political views, are now criticized for being single-minded.

Universities are, and always have been, the perfect backdrop for learning about and debating politics. U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., who supports the bill, said his daughter, a law student at MSU-DCL College of Law, was afraid to voice her conservative views in class. Indeed, it is a shame that his daughter is afraid to stand up for her views.

But just because her professor might have a different political stance doesn't mean she should keep quiet.

Good professors use differing views to promote healthy discussion in class, and students should feel comfortable expressing their opinions. The bill's supporters argue that without also being taught conservative views, students leave college with only half an education.

But at this age, most students already have formed opinions on political issues. This is why student groups exist - be it anti-abortion or abortion-rights activists, for or against affirmative action, liberal or conservative.

Students already know what political views they support or don't support.

That's why class discussions can be lively at times.

Fueling the proposal's fire is a report by the conservative think tank Center for the Study of Popular Culture, that showed the average ratio of Democrat to Republican professors in 32 of the top-ranked colleges was 10-to-1.

But while these numbers might raise eyebrows, they do not necessarily mean that universities' hiring practices are politically preferential.

There are plenty of liberal and conservative professors at any school, just as there are plenty of liberal and conservative students.

Political affiliation shouldn't matter anyway - background and teaching ability are more important factors than whether a professor considers him or herself a Democrat or Republican.

And despite what they might mark themselves as on a political survey, most people don't fall strictly under one category or another.

A Democrat might have some conservative views. A Republican might support some liberal bill.

The lawmakers supporting this bill are attempting to draw a defining line between liberals and conservatives, but in most cases it can't be done.

If students were concerned about the political diversity in their education, we would have started a petition for our own bill. Legislators should stick to their own business and stop trying to meddle with a student's education.