Conservative Professor Censored By University

Here's a link to a post on Undernews, a progressive online alternative news repository, concerning a conservative professor who has been denied promotion for his stated views on affirmative action and other policies of State University Of New York (SUNY) Fredonia.

UNDERNEWS: CONSERVATIVE PROF CENSORED BY UNIVERSITY

Should a state university have the right to do something like this?

By his own admission, the university president, Dennis Hefner, says that Kershnar (the professor) has been an excellent teacher. The only reason for his denied promotion is that he has stated views that are in opposition to SUNY Fredonia's "official" views.

In addition, SUNY has stated it will promote Kershnar only if he submits his public writings to be reviewed by the university before publishing.

There seem to be so many things wrong with this situation that it's hard to know where to start. Here are some of my objections:

1. This is a state-funded institution, not a private one. As such, doesn't it set itself up for public debate of its policies and procedures? It's as if I worked for the streets and sanitation department and voiced disapproval about a drainage ditch that needed to be mended. Should I be fired because of my concern for the public good, regardless of whether I'm right or wrong about it?
   
2. As representatives of an institution of higher learning, shouldn't the president and board be more willing to listen to criticism of its policies? I understand that I might be more than a little naive about this -- I mean, who enjoys being criticized? But if these people are sincere in their dedication to their function as leaders of higher education, shouldn't they just argue the "facts of the case" and not resort to silencing a lower member of the faculty who disagrees with them? If their policies can't withstand a little discussion, then maybe they aren't appropriate policies... This seems like a bully tactic.
   
3. Does the need for consensus outweigh the need for open debate and reflection at a state-funded university? I don't believe that. PR may play a part in some university hiring practices, but that shouldn't extend to the promotion of a professor, especially if he has shown excellent teaching ability.
   
4. No institution should have the right to make professional decisions about an employee's personal life, as long as the person is acting within the law.
   

Is there more to the story that I missed? I was outraged when some U.S. universities fired their professors after 9/11 for their stated personal views on that situation (was it at Notre Dame and Colorado?) and this is just as bad.