Dr. Joseph “Joe” Lowndes is a political science professor at the University of Oregon. He writes extensively on right-wing and conservative politics and is vocally pro-Critical Race Theory. He has published many articles and recently co-wrote a book called, “Producers, Parasites, Patriots: Race and the New Right-Wing Politics of Precarity.” 

In April of 2020, Dr. Lowndes published an article in the New Republic bashing conservative officials and citizens alike for their “dangerous views” on COVID-19. In the article, he accuses conservatives in the U.S. House of Representatives of being “pathological” for their refusal to wear masks when voting on the coronavirus relief bill. He also claims conservatives only want the country to remain open to “keep the current wealth stratifications in place and protect the rich from economic harm.”

Many articles and research publications written during lockdowns detailed how small businesses would simply not be able to survive if they continued to be locked down. The Wall Street Journal noted that roughly 200,000 businesses permanently closed because of the pandemic. Lockdowns also caused many people in the United States to lose their jobs – approximately 9.6 million Americans were let go in 2020 due to COVID-19.

I’ll be putting CRT on the syllabi of my federally funded state university courses this fall like I always do!

— Joe Lowndes (@JoeLowndes) September 6, 2020

 

Dr. Lowndes has frequently discussed on Twitter that he has always taught and will continue to teach Critical Race Theory in the classroom, a few are included below:

Actually CRT is a very specific body of ideas. But it is being used by the hysterical right as everything that threatens white folks.

— Joe Lowndes (@JoeLowndes) May 31, 2021

 

I'm thrilled to be teaching in the @AAPolicyForum's critical race theory summer school next week with an amazing crew, including @BulldogShadow, @barbs73, @robynmarasco, @jelani9 and so many others.If you're passionate about antiracist ideas and action, sign up for summer school! https://t.co/lxV8Kgo2K4

— Joe Lowndes (@JoeLowndes) August 8, 2021

 

The attack on #CriticalRaceTheory takes what most white Americans already believe about US history, and juices it with anticommunism and antisemitism.

— Joe Lowndes (@JoeLowndes) June 16, 2021

 

In a thread of tweets, he tries to put conservatives on blast for being anti-CRT, attempting to create parallels between conservatives today and the civil rights movement.

 

Besides “racist”, Dr. Lowndes also labels conservatives as “conspiracy theorists” (particularly around COVID-19, election integrity, and BLM), “dangerous”, and “self-appointed vigilantes.”  He claims the “foe of those on the right” are opponents defined by race, religion, nationality, and immigrants from the outside. He accuses conservatives as demonizing anyone against their ideals.

If you want to talk racial science hypotheses, how about: racism triggers an endorphin rush for white conservatives: http://t.co/T8YeA4L1ei

— Joe Lowndes (@JoeLowndes) May 9, 2013

 

Conservative principles are founded in the belief that the government should have limited involvement in the everyday life of American citizens. The federal government’s power should be restricted to what is outlined in the constitution. American individuals and families should have the right to decide what is best for their religion, health, and welfare without government involvement. Taxes should be limited only to what is necessary to fund constitutionally appropriate functions. None of these principles have any bearing on someone’s race, religion, or nationality.

The Professor Watchlist Team reached out to Dr. Lowndes for comment but has not received a response by the time of publication.

 

Parents and Students may contact The University of Oregon at 800-BE-A-DUCK.