Freedom to Dissent Is Crucial for Nation

By Jack P. Calareso
President, Ohio Dominican University

In his editorial, Ohio Dominican University President Jack P. Calareso rejects the notion that civil debate on America's college campuses should be limited during imminent threats of war and heightened terrorist alerts. He takes issue with Attorney General Ashcroft publicly equating dissent with anti-Americanism and a group called the American Council of Trustees and Alumni that criticized UCLA for bolstering its Islamic and Asian course offerings after September 11th.

Calareso sees no conflict between the growing campus criticism of the administration's policies and patriotism:"[t]hose who dissent don't love their country any less than those who support the president."

He urges academia-which he characterizes as a "marketplace for differing ideas"-to keep its role of promoting open discussion in the classroom and training students to be able to think about issues for themselves and not "foist on students a singular point of view." He emphasizes the mission of educators to help students think critically about issues, not to dictate what is "truth."

To view the editorial, visit www.ohiodominican.edu/president/PublicStatements.shtml.