This week, our campus has faced challenges to the civility and respect that are a foundation of our society. Several people have chosen to use Gullen Mall to express opinions that others have found disrespectful and offensive.
Many people have questioned why we have allowed the speakers to remain on campus. The answer is simple: we are a public institution and members of the public may speak in our outdoor areas when they are not being used for university programs or by student or university organizations.
As an institution of higher learning, Wayne State University promotes respect for all individuals. We defend each person’s right to free speech, which is a basic tenet of our society and must be protected. We may not always agree with one another but we must preserve the right of others to assert their views.
I urge you to listen courteously or simply avoid listening if that is your preference. The respect for diversity that is shown by members of the Wayne State University community is a very important feature of university life.
Sincerely,
Nancy S. Barrett
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Many people have questioned why we have allowed the speakers to remain on campus. The answer is simple: we are a public institution and members of the public may speak in our outdoor areas when they are not being used for university programs or by student or university organizations.
As an institution of higher learning, Wayne State University promotes respect for all individuals. We defend each person’s right to free speech, which is a basic tenet of our society and must be protected. We may not always agree with one another but we must preserve the right of others to assert their views.
I urge you to listen courteously or simply avoid listening if that is your preference. The respect for diversity that is shown by members of the Wayne State University community is a very important feature of university life.
Sincerely,
Nancy S. Barrett
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
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How unfortunate that people need to be reminded that in the United States we are allowed the freedom to express our ideas in public - and even worse, those who need this lesson are taking part in higher learning.
1 comment:
what exactly happened?
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