After some students across the commonwealth called their academic freedom into question, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last week decided to examine state-related universities to determine if they foster an atmosphere of free thinking.

A subcommittee of the Committee on Higher Education has been authorized to investigate the perceived problem after representatives heard roughly 50 complaints.

But compared to the number of students that comprise the four schools, this number is very small.

Students and legislators may be blowing these complaints entirely out of proportion.

While professors may formulate their own opinions, rarely, if ever, do grades seem to be doctored because a student holds a different political or personal viewpoint.

Although there could always be a professor here or there who abuses their grading privileges for a political purpose, this problem is not generally prevalent on campus.

If a problem concerning academic freedom arises, it should be dealt with first at a departmental level.

If the problem persists, the college should be notified.

Finally, the University Faculty Senate should explore the complaint in detail and take appropriate steps to stop the professor from hindering the students and university.

But because every university is different and because so few instances of a lack of academic freedom have been reported, the state should not become involved just yet.

Plus, it is unclear how the state will measure and report its findings.

Polls and surveys will not be accurate because students may overestimate a perceived bias.

And in-class observations will not be reliable either because there are simply too many classes to observe.

Next, if a substantial lack of academic freedom is found, how will this problem be resolved?

Will professors be further monitored, reprimanded or fired if they are found guilty of prohibiting free thinking? Will new professors, who could easily commit the same faults, then be asked to join the faculty?

Students should feel comfortable expressing their viewpoints in a college classroom setting.

If the professors are mistreating them and altering grades, the department should be the first to explore the problem.

Based on this resolution, the state is overstepping its bounds and could end up invading the same freedoms they're trying to protect.