Three arguments are presented. First, criminal justice colleges and departments should be held to higher rational and moral standards, not because they are qualitatively different from other liberal arts departments, but because they teach justice. Consequently, the academic administrators of criminal justice education should ensure that the style and methods of managing the educational enterprise reflect the tenets of justice being taught. Second, if the tenets and virtues of criminal justice are worth teaching, then criminal justice faculty members and students should be treated in a manner consistent with these virtues. Third, treating criminal justice faculty members and students unfairly, disrespectfully, or irresponsibly undermines their commitment and interest in promoting the noble features of criminal justice. In assessing whether specific academic administrators meet the qualities necessary for such an important task, those who select them should determine whether they are "Athenians" or "Spartans." "Athenians" are described by the author as those who have a talent for reasoning and acting in good faith. Athenian administrators use tact, competence, understanding, decency, and personal character to reconcile differences or induce personal enemies to work together. They use reason rather than power to deal with issues and individuals. "Spartan" administrators, on the other hand, practice domination, deception, favoritism, and disrespect for those who disagree with them. They undermine what the criminal justice system advocates, i.e., fairness, truthfulness, and the right of every individual to be treated justly. 19 references