Heard at Cornell is a column that regularly quotes important statements from Cornellians. This excerpt is taken from an op-ed by President Kotlikoff in the March 31, New York Times. It is entitled “Universities Like the One I Run Aren’t Afraid to Let People Argue” and addresses the aftermath of the disruption of the March 10 “Pathways to Peace” panel discussion in Bailey Hall.
“The impact of our universities derives in no small part from their ability to equip
students with the skills to evaluate evidence critically, consider issues from
multiple perspectives, participate meaningfully in the exchange of ideas, and
grapple with the difficult and the complex — in short, to participate fully and
capably in a modern democracy.
“Democracies are not silent places, and neither are universities. They are vibrant,
active and sometimes unruly; differences are aired, disagreements argued, voices
raised. And yes, among our nearly 27,000 students, there are some who feel
justified in violating norms of respectful interaction, who seek to advance their
own agendas by silencing individuals and ideas with which they disagree. When
that happens, we respond in ways that protect the rights of all to speak and learn.”
A video of the March 10 event can be viewed here.
