A proposal to create a Milton Friedman Institute at the University of Chicago appears to have created some controversy, as reported here and here. 101 professors at the University signed a letter raising concerns about the new center. In particular, they raised concerns that it would be a “right-wing think tank” and would reinforce popular perceptions that the University of Chicago lacks ideological diversity.
Daniel Drezner has looked into the complaints about the proposed Center, and suggests an alternative explanation for the opposition: “The Milton Friedman Institute will distribute the bulk of its benefits to the department of economics, the law school, and the business school.” I suspect Friedman would appreciate Drezner’s take, particularly insofar as it applies a Friedman-esque analysis to the Friedman Institute’s opposition.