To answer Bot's original question, Yes, I think that anything can, and should be studied, and discussed, debated and peer-reviewed.
To shut down such discussion leads to the belief that "truth" is being supressed--especially if the reason is "PC".
Let the full light shine on this topic and see if there is any truth there.
My guess is that an objective debate would show wider divergence in any given group, that between groups.
Why should any topic be off limits, except if there is fear that the truth might be distasteful? Again do you want your surgeon to have been a product of some PC set-aside, or a truly competent, educated doctor?

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags