GMU: Still Slouching Towards Dhimmitude?
The following e-mail was sent out to all GMU students moments ago:
Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that this e-mail is directed at me? I must be getting paranoid in my old age.
Feel free to send your questions or comments to the above e-mail address—in a respectful and non-dignity-reducing manner, of course! And, in continuation of my desire to be open to all discussion on the matter, you're more than welcome to do the same to my student e-mail address, which is still bledbet1-at-gmu.edu.
I don't know about you, but everything I've seen from our side of the debate (with the exception of a handful of Al Gore's "digital brownshirts") have carried our argument in a most respectful manner. What we've seen from the University up until now—which is what makes the matter more frustrating for everyone involved—is a distinct lack of action, followed by utter and complete silence. Had the Administration begun to address this issue back in April, things would certainly not have reached as contentious a point as we're in now, would they?
In any case, feel free to scour my previous articles on the topic for hints of an attack on anyone's "dignity."
Previously at Snapped Shot:
Update: Scott at Power Line is tracking a far more egregious case up at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Is this a sign of coordinated efforts between the various Muslim Student Associations across our country? Or is it a case of a student group abusing their "powers of room reservation?"
I definitely look forward to Scott's updates—and Scott, you're welcome to my silly headings any time!
From: Peter Stearns, Provost and Sandy Hubler, VP of University Life
Subject: Respecting Free Speech
Already this fall, a number of students, staff, and faculty have raised concerns and engaged in dialogues related to controversial campus, national, and international issues. As conversations ensue both in and outside of the classroom on issues such as Mason?s quiet meditation space, recent acts of racism at UMD-College Park, and the upcoming Jena 6 trials, we encourage dialogue that fosters critical thinking, positive engagement, and mutual respect. Our challenge as a community as we engage in these dialogues is to stay committed to honoring and encouraging free speech, while at the same time attending to those who may feel that their safety and dignity have been compromised.(Photo added for illustration purposes.)
On our campus, there has been much discussion on the use of the quiet meditation space located in the Johnson Center. The meditation space was established seven years ago in response to those in the university community who wanted a quiet, convenient drop-in location for reflection and prayer. We are currently collecting usage data on the space for further review with the goal of assessing and meeting the needs of our student populations [Ed.:—There's more than one student population at GMU now? Who knew?]. We want to ensure that the space is open to all on campus who wish to use it for quiet meditation. If you have questions or comments about the space, you can email mrrc1-at-gmu.edu.
Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that this e-mail is directed at me? I must be getting paranoid in my old age.
Feel free to send your questions or comments to the above e-mail address—in a respectful and non-dignity-reducing manner, of course! And, in continuation of my desire to be open to all discussion on the matter, you're more than welcome to do the same to my student e-mail address, which is still bledbet1-at-gmu.edu.
I don't know about you, but everything I've seen from our side of the debate (with the exception of a handful of Al Gore's "digital brownshirts") have carried our argument in a most respectful manner. What we've seen from the University up until now—which is what makes the matter more frustrating for everyone involved—is a distinct lack of action, followed by utter and complete silence. Had the Administration begun to address this issue back in April, things would certainly not have reached as contentious a point as we're in now, would they?
In any case, feel free to scour my previous articles on the topic for hints of an attack on anyone's "dignity."
Previously at Snapped Shot:
- GMU: Broadside Stands Up to Inequality
- George Mason University: Some are Still More Equal
- GMU Update: Prayer Room Expansion Nixed?
- Updates are Also More Equal
- Some are More Equal
Update: Scott at Power Line is tracking a far more egregious case up at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Is this a sign of coordinated efforts between the various Muslim Student Associations across our country? Or is it a case of a student group abusing their "powers of room reservation?"
I definitely look forward to Scott's updates—and Scott, you're welcome to my silly headings any time!
