The best terminology for this phenomena would probably be (neo-)Lysenkoism, where you have a field of science under attack for conflicting with political orthod

The best terminology for this phenomena would probably be (neo-)Lysenkoism, where you have a field of science under attack for conflicting with political orthodoxy. I agree completely with your point that a college degree has limited impact on your scientific literacy. Taking baby-bio or physics for poets isn't going to give you the tools necessary to churn through scientific papers, nor will it give you perfect objectivity when evaluating scientific arguments, particularly volatile ones that challenge your own core beliefs.