This is about, you know, those elite schools that supposedly uphold free speech. Like, uh, at the very place that the "Free Speech Movement" was launched half a century ago--University of California. Reason reports that Chancellor Nicholas Dirks recently sent a campus-wide email about free speech, but "with Orwellian doublespeak":
As we honor this turning point in our history, it is important that we recognize the broader social context required in order for free speech to thrive. For free speech to have meaning it must not just be tolerated, it must also be heard, listened to, engaged, and debated. Yet this is easier said than done, for the boundaries between protected and unprotected speech, between free speech and political advocacy, between the campus and the classroom, between debate and demagoguery, between freedom and responsibility, have never been fully settled. As a consequence, when issues are inherently divisive, controversial and capable of arousing strong feelings, the commitment to free speech and expression can lead to division and divisiveness that undermine a community's foundation.In other words, better shut up if the free speech could be "divisive, controversial and capable of arousing strong feelings." WTF, right?
And you thought only the likes of Putin will want to silence speech like that of Pussy Riot!
Meanwhile, a different kind of silencing of free speech across the continent, at the Ivy League university that was founded with wealth that was plundered from Madras (Chennai) and the rest of India. You scratching your head about the university? How could you? And I thought you are one heck of a smart person! Tsk, tsk, tsk!!!
Oh well ... on to the free speech story:
Representatives from 35 campus groups and student organizations have signed a letter drafted by the Muslim Students Association (MSA) that expresses concern over an event that is bringing a controversial speaker to campus.Seriously? Ayaan Hirsi Ali lacking qualifications to speak about Islam? And the Pope is not Catholic? And she might make "hurtful" statements? WTF, right? The following additional piece will make you laugh, if not for the fact that it is not from the Onion:
Ayaan Hirsi Ali — a Somali-born American activist known for her women’s rights advocacy and critical remarks about Islam — is slated to give a lecture titled “Clash of Civilizations: Islam and the West” on Sep. 15 as part of the William F. Buckley, Jr. Program speaker series. The daughter of a Somali politician and opposition leader, Hirsi Ali has publicly voiced criticism of practices such as female genital mutilation and has also voiced support for atheism and women’s rights. The MSA’s letter does not ask for a withdrawal of Hirsi Ali’s invitation, according to MSA board member Abrar Omeish ’17, but rather draws attention to her allegedly hurtful anti-Muslim statements and her lack of qualifications to speak broadly about Islam
University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Coordinator of Muslim Life Omer Bajwa issued a joint statement to the News in which they confirmed the University’s commitment to free expression but raised concerns over Hirsi Ali’s prior comments about Islam.We have become afraid of free speech not only when it comes to Islam or war or race or ... but even when a college student simply yells out of a window, "I hit it first."
“We are deeply concerned … by Ms. Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s long record of disparaging, and arguably hateful, comments about Muslims and Islam,” the statement read. “To better represent the whole Yale community and its educational goals, we recommend the organizers consider actions to expand the event, such as allowing concerned students to present their perspectives or adding a scholarly voice to create a more nuanced conversation.”
Yes, re-read the following words: I hit it first.
Four words that landed that student in trouble. Not one charge, but five charges! Right here at the university that is attached to the minor league football team called The Ducks:
On June 9, 2014, the female student in question was visiting with friends in UO’s Carson Hall dormitory. According to the student, looking out of the dormitory window, she spotted a male and female student walking together (she did not know either of them) and shouted “I hit it first” at them in jest. The female of the couple responded with two profanities and the couple reported the student’s comment to the Resident Assistant of the dorm. The Resident Assistant located the student and insisted that she apologize to the couple for her remark. The student readily obliged.Free speech, my ass!
That did not end the matter, however. On June 13, the student was shocked to receive a “Notice of Allegation” letter charging her with five separate conduct violations for her four-word joke. In addition to dubious allegations of violating the residence hall’s noise and guest policies, UO charged the student with “[h]arassment,” “disruption,” and “[d]isorderly conduct.”
Oops, did I say that? Am I going to be in trouble for writing "my ass!"??? ;)
4 comments:
I feel obliged to comment in Ramesh's absence. When will he return to his commenting responsibilities?
This sounds much like the kerfluffle over commencement speakers, though slightly improved. At least the "offended" were not demanding cancellation of the speech. Perhaps if we all grew slightly thicker skin, all this silliness would go away.
Oh, increasingly higher education is all about thinnest of skins ... bizarre it is ...
For the n+1th time, I completely agree with Anne. I think I will take a backseat on "commenting responsibilities" since she comments far better than I do :)
What's your problem with Nicholas Dirks' email ? - I thought it was pretty fair. Remember free speech doesn't extend to shouting Fire Fire.
But, Ramesh, the issue is not about anything even remotely near "fire, fire" in a crowded theatre.
The problem is with universities increasingly not inviting, or un-inviting, speakers who could address issues that are "inherently divisive, controversial and capable of arousing strong feelings." One cam imagine any number of such topics--how about abortion? Or, race and the criminal justice system? Or Dick Cheney as a war criminal?
The easy route that universities prefer is that we avoid such speakers because they are "inherently divisive, controversial and capable of arousing strong feelings."
You see the problem?
And then of course the issue you have overlooked--a student being hauled up on five charges all because she yelled out of her dorm room window "I hit it first." If not for free speech organizations coming to that student's help ...
You see the problem?
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