To the Editor:
Kwame Ture's visit stimulated many levels of dialogue on campus. I found myself spending a lot of time assessing the College's free speech policy. Also, I spent time thinking about how the College community can better embrace and balance the right to free speech and the varying needs/concerns of the community, specifically the student body.
Oberlin College's policy on freedom of speech states the following: "Oberlin . . . in its tradition and as an academic institution, is devoted to free and open inquiry. Therefore, it is important that freedom of speech and freedom of expression be guaranteed to individuals and groups to express whatever views they wish, do long as they do not interfere with the rights of others." I believe that Ture's visit illustrated that the freedom of speech policy in its current form is void of two very important details.
They are as follows:
The students could have encountered a little less stress four weeks ago had they known exactly what avenues they needed to access in order to negotiate their needs and concerns. It is imperative that students know exactly what they need to do in order to address their issues. It has been my experience that Oberlin students can function effectively within any system when they know the details and rules of the process. A designated process would also ensure students equal access to the information.
I also believe that forums should be used to facilitate an environment that supports critical thinking around controversial and challenging issues and ideologies. These forums should be planned and implemented to encourage constructive civil discourse around any issue where students feel their rights would be violated. However, spontaneous discussion around any issue affecting the campus community should always be encouraged. In addition, a group of students, faculty and staff should be designated to organize the forums.
Lastly, I believe that Ture's visit also brought another issue to the forefront for our community. That it is the responsibility of the faculty and staff to provide the students with a nurturing and inclusive environment, i.e. an environment where they can develop to their fullest potential. All students, during their tenure at Oberlin, should feel secure, challenged, supported, encourage and respected.
Kwame Ture visit sparks campus debate (3/15/96)
Kwame Ture sparks campus debate (3/15/96)
Speaker discusses views on Zionism (3/15/96)
Ture visit results in discussions (4/5/96)
Copyright © 1996, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 124, Number 20; April 12, 1996
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