The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Opinions

Agree to disagree

Whether you support or oppose him, the keynote speaker sparks needed debate.

In the University Council meeting Tuesday, protesters expressed their concern about the University's decision to have U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas speak at graduation.

Although we at The Red & Black do not support the decision to bring someone who could be considered the poster boy for sexual harassment to conclude a semester in which allegations of faculty harassing students was front-page news, we think something can be gained - public dialogue.

Since the announcement Friday that Thomas would be speaking, campus listservs and our opinions mailbox have been bombarded with thoughts from people on both sides of the debate.

Opponents argue Thomas' appointment as graduation speaker is a slap in the face to the women who lived in fear of harassing superiors.

Proponents say they are relieved to have a distinguished figure coming to the University. They also argue opponents are blowing past allegations out of proportion.

Adams, who told the University Council he made the decision to bring Thomas to graduation, said opponents are making their arguments out of a purely political motive.

This discussion is healthy for the University. It allows students, faculty and staff to have an intelligent and active debate about politics, history and harassment.

In September, Columbia University invited Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak.

Many at Columbia and across the country opposed the decision, but the university's president, Lee Bollinger, approved the decision because of his support of free speech.

"The scope of free speech and academic freedom should itself always be open to further debate," Bollinger said as he introduced Ahmadinejad.

We agree. As a University, we should encourage a public discourse about controversial issues.

Many students don't know who Thomas is or the sexual harassment allegations in his past.

Janet Frick, associate professor of psychology, and Chris Cuomo, a women's studies professor, taught students about Thomas' past.

Though some may disagree with their teaching methods, the professors are increasing the amount of discussion on campus. These conversations allow students who may not have heard about Thomas to take in all the facts and form their own opinions.

Isn't that what going to college is supposed to do for you?

For once, people are thinking about who is speaking at graduation.

Many may not agree with what Thomas does or has done in the past, but these same people could be enlightened by what he has to say. Thomas is a prominent figure with extensive judicial experience, and he may have significant words of wisdom to a class preparing to enter "the real world."

Seniors, part of being a grown-up is learning how to disagree. Perhaps Thomas is giving us all a lesson in adulthood before the University releases us into the world.

So President Adams, we have to give you this - you may be onto something with this decision.

The Red & Black editorial board allows that Adams made an insensitive and irrational decision in bringing Thomas to campus, but now that he's coming, let the argument begin.

- Kristen Coulter and Carolyn Crist for the editorial board

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