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Making SMU safe for free discussion
by Scott Gilbreath ~ March 18th, 2009
Saint Mary’s University demonstrated how not to protect free expression last month when it allowed a small group of noisy fanatics to shout down a presentation by pro-life speaker Jojo Ruba. Two weeks ago in the SMU Journal, “pro-choice advocate” Holly Taylor proudly defended the fascistic display by showing utter contempt for the concept of freedom of speech.
Plainly, SMU officials have a lot of work to do if respect for diversity of opinion is going to be restored. Mark Mercer offers some suggestions in his latest Cranky Professor column.
We have to insist that the university, and all university groups, not engage in self-censorship. We must not fear protests or human rights complaints. We have to ensure that Saint Mary’s not give in to bullies who would threaten to bring it before a human rights commission.
We have to guard against our university’s tendency to think in terms of conflict resolution. There is no conflict here to resolve. What is at stake is the integrity of our institution as a university. If through safeguarding our mission some members of the Saint Mary’s community come to feel their needs are going unmet, well, that’s too bad.
Strangely, one thing we need is an explicitly formulated policy for handling a disruption; one Security can consult and easily apply. (Strangely, because one would have thought Security wouldn’t have had any trouble figuring out what to do.)
Dr Mercer then offers his seven-point outline of a campus security policy for speeches and presentations. Check it out.
Let’s hope that Saint Mary’s University does what is necessary to re-establish its reputation as an institution that takes a pro-active role in protecting and promoting its marketplace of ideas.
Also in this week’s SMU Journal are two admirably reasoned letters from philosophy student Kirk Emery defending freedom of expression against those who would stifle opposing views. They’re not included in the Journal’s online content, unfortunately, but can be found on page 3 of the pdf version.
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March 18th, 2009 at 07:09 PM
[...] To The Ed“.. also read Robert Grandy’s contribution; NScott weighs in as well– Making SMU safe for free discussion …. [...]