(I recently penned a parody in these pages of the idea of kids going off to college or university and getting radicalized there these days in particular. Another, rather more straightforward take on the matter:)
I have received a mailing from a member of the Board of Directors of an outfit called FIRE - for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education - which contained an excerpt from a Commencement Address to a graduating class at some university or other, centering, in an inspiring way, on the subject of the illiberal exercise of the suppression of free speech going on at many campuses of our colleges and universities these benighted days. A lot of good ideas are imparted to the graduating classes of our institutions of higher learning at their Commencement Exercises, as they commence the beginning of their voyage on the seas of adult life. But I have long thought that they should also be given a word of advice as they commence their time at college or university. Something like:
‘A university is a place for the exploration of ideas, beyond just the preparation for a profession. May it always be so. And may you remember that, as you embark on your voyage on the sea of learning at this institution of higher learning.
‘Let me summarize the event, as part of the larger event, of life itself.
‘You are born, your grow up, you die. What is this business in between those two singular events all about? They are like bookends in a library, framing a huge amount of information. What does that idea imply?? That:
‘Life is a school. The purpose of which is to graduate.
‘All good wishes, and Welcome Aboard, as you commence your voyage on deeper seas of your life’s journey with us at this institution.'
P.S. The quote that I referred to?
“Tolerance for other people’s ideas, and the freedom to express your own, are inseparable values at great universities. Joined together, they form a sacred trust that holds the basis of our democratic society.
“But that trust is perpetually vulnerable to the tyrannical tendencies of monarchs, mobs, and majorities. And lately, we have seen those tendencies manifest themselves too often, both on college campuses and in our society… Graduates: Throughout your lives, do not be afraid of saying what you believe is right, no matter how unpopular it may be, especially when it comes to defending the rights of others.
“Standing up for the rights of others is in some ways even more important than standing up for your own rights. Because when people seek to repress freedom for some, and you remain silent, you are complicit in that repression and you may well become its victim.
“Do not be complicit, and do not follow the crowd. Speak up and fight back.”
Them’s fighting words. And that particular fight is being waged on our campuses of higher learning by FIRE. Which outfit is asking people to sign a petition of support for something called the University of Chicago Statement on Principles of Free Expression. An excellent summary of the matter - this urgent matter of our times. Check it out. www.thefire.org
P.P.S. That Commencement Speech quote? Let's see; that was from… -
former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg?! Why, that dirty rotten -
er……
Actually: Well put, MB.
Giving (course) credit where (course) credit is due.
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