Thread by @UnKochCampus

POSSIBLE KOCH-RELATED DEEP FAKE 🧵
On 10/27 we were sent a PDF of a new journal article, “Donor money and the academy: Perceptions of undue donor pressure in political science, economics, and philosophy” by Sage Owens & Kal Alvers-Lynde III, who claimed to be econ profs at UCLA

It sent up numerous 🚩 🚩 🚩 and we began to investigate. Unable to find either “professor” on UCLA’s Dept of Economics website, we called the dept on 11/4 & confirmed that there has never been anyone of either name employed there. A follow up email provided written documentation

On 11/4 we followed up with the publisher, Higher Education Quarterly, who confirmed the names of the two authors, because that was the only information they had! Between this, UCLA’s confirmation, and an in depth internet search, we knew we were dealing with something suspicious

On Twitter, @SageOwensEcon promoted the “research,” sending it to professors connected to our network, and used our #UnKochEducation hashtags to gain traction. We reached out to get them on the phone, but they gave an unbelievable excuse to keep communication to DMs and email.

Three out of four of our core team members are mothers who have had 7 newborns between us. New moms may be tired, but they can manage a 5 minute phone call, especially if it’s to promote their work!

There have been claims that this is part of a SOKAL III hoax - one that attempts to expose the rigors (or lack thereof) in academic publishing. While more review measures in publication is a good idea, it’s the content of this particular hoax that is relevant. #UnKochMyCampus

There is a REAL problem of undue donor influence in higher education. We’ve exposed it time and time again. unkochmycampus.org/academic-viola…
unkochmycampus.org/funding-report
#UnKochEverything

For this “report” to discuss dark money donations in general, and to mention Koch funding in particular, while wrapping it all up in false data is damaging and harmful to the real work those of us are doing to demand transparency and accountability.

The Koch network thrives on the dissemination of disinformation, from climate change unkochmycampus.org/climate-report to the faux moral panic surrounding CRT unkochmycampus.org/crt-report and even to COVID-19 disinformation.

This disinformation has produced harmful outcomes for our climate, communities & democracy.

Spreading disinformation through higher ed journals only aids the Koch network in their agenda to erode trust in institutions of education in support of their corporate privatized solutions. #UnKochEverything #unKochMyCampus

Edited to add. UnKoch is a scrappy Black women led nonprofit project with a budget less than $350K a year. We take on the Koch network because we believe in climate, economic, and social justice. You can support us here. #PeopleOverProfits unkochmycampus.salsalabs.org/UnKochMyCampus…