A great piece appeared over the weekend at the Harvard Crimson that everyone should check out. Sophomore Rachel Heubner's article, "A Culture of Sensitivity," takes to task the frightening development on many college campuses today in which diversity of opinion is often forbidden, both implicitly and explicitly. The plurality of ideas that once formed the cornerstone of higher education is fading. "Facts and history have been discarded," she writes, "and instead feelings have been deemed to be the criteria that determine whether words and actions are acceptable." Students' emotions are being prioritized over evidence.
Heubner does a fine job of presenting her argument in a way that is respectful of students' desire for safe environments, while also providing sound logic and proof for her position of free speech advocacy. Students are the ones making the most noise, but they are often supported by college leadership in their complaints, and consequently, hindering their own potential for maturity. "Administrators must recognize that the current restrictions are incompatible with the very premise and goal of an education," she writes. University codes impede freedom of expression, and thus, genuine learning.
Take a look at her article, and continue to defend diversity of perspectives on college campuses. We need more Rachels out there!
Heubner does a fine job of presenting her argument in a way that is respectful of students' desire for safe environments, while also providing sound logic and proof for her position of free speech advocacy. Students are the ones making the most noise, but they are often supported by college leadership in their complaints, and consequently, hindering their own potential for maturity. "Administrators must recognize that the current restrictions are incompatible with the very premise and goal of an education," she writes. University codes impede freedom of expression, and thus, genuine learning.
Take a look at her article, and continue to defend diversity of perspectives on college campuses. We need more Rachels out there!