The Huffington Post attacked Texas Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott for citing the work of leading sociologist Charles Murray in his education plan, even though the Huffington Post itself has covered and cited his work on multiple occasions.
The Huffington Post’s Laura Bassett attacked Abbott’s education reform plan for including Murray in a footnote, who is described by Bassett as a "very problematic source of inspiration for an education plan" and a "a man who believes that women and minorities are intellectually inferior to white men."
Murray, however, is cited as a leading sociology scholar by various publications, including the Huffington Post.
Jared Bernstein, who served as a chief economic adviser in the Obama administration, wrote a review of Murray’s Coming Apart that was published in the Huffington Post. Although critical of aspects of his work, Bernstein praises Murray as an expert in the field of sociology who correctly identifies major problems in his work.
"I hear real passion and concern in Murray's voice, a concern that many readers will share, as I did," wrote Bernstein. "Whatever you think of his work, and I've been a longtime critic, Murray is a man who has spent a long career paying close attention to society."
"Charles Murray is right: In important ways we're coming apart and that's a serious danger demanding the attention of social scientists, policy makers, and persons of all income classes," concludes Bernstein, who is critical of the book’s solution to the problems presented.
Murray’s work is also quoted in a 2013 op-ed published in the Huffington Post on the issue of education.
Those on the other side of the aisle of the libertarian Murray still find great respect for his work, including former President Bill Clinton.
"He did the country a great service," said Clinton in a 1993 interview when asked about Murray. "I mean, he and I have often disagreed, but I think his analysis is essentially right."
His work has also been cited in multiple publications including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, and San Antonio Express-News.
Murray has also had multiple columns published by prominent publications, including one in the Wall Street Journal this weekend.
Murray’s most controversial book, The Bell Curve, was also a New York Times bestseller.