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April 18, 2006
Climate of Fear Part 43
At North Kentuky University a student pro-life group set up a university approved display made up of a bunch of crosses. A Professor there thought freedom of speech meant vandalism so she had her students destroy the display.
Northern Kentucky University President James Votruba has confirmed that Dr. Sally Jacobsen said that she encouraged students to practice their freedom of speech by pulling down the crosses during her British Literature class, which meets on Wednesday evenings.
Thankfully the president of the university did the right thing and removed the professor from all of her teaching responsibilities and she will be leaving at the end of the semester. He also sent out a good email about how universities are supposed to function:
The action taken by the University should be considered in the context of Professor Jacobsen's entire 27 year career at NKU. Nevertheless, her recent lapse of judgment was severe and, for a period of time, has caused some in our community and beyond to question whether Northern Kentucky University upholds freedom of expression. My answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. NKU lives its commitment to free expression and responds when that commitment has been compromised.America is, today, debating a variety of polarizing issues around which people feel great passion. It is not surprising that these strong sentiments find their way onto college campuses. However, our role is to add light to these debates, not more heat. If we don't serve this role, who will?
The earlier article said the pro-life group was pressing charges and I think a few months in jail might teach the professor how she should not vandalize property or tried to use violence to silence opposing views.
Previous Climate of Fear post.
Posted by Pete at April 18, 2006 07:35 AM
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