To the Editor:
Some recent articles about material on the Al-Nur website have called into question the role of religious opinions in creating and sustaining a compassionate, pluralistic educational community.
Religious organizations at Dartmouth are free to express the tenets of their faith on their websites and in other ways, despite the fact that some of those tenets, especially taken out of historical context, may cause offense to others. The College has no speech code as is documented in Dartmouth's policy on the Freedom of Expression and Dissent. Freedom of expression is essential in an academic community. But as an educational community, we should always try to cultivate and maintain an attitude of respect toward those who may disagree. We may -- and do -- hold beliefs passionately. We must always express them respectfully.
Texts and art that are controversial are essential for our college community. We study them and think about them. But when such expressions cease to be objects of inquiry and are instead used to threaten individuals or groups, a line of civility has been crossed. Religious groups should take leadership in protesting such actions.
My experience with religious groups at Dartmouth assures me that, despite significant differences of belief, there is enormous good will in their intentions. Every group -- whether religious, political, academic, artistic or social -- may have controversial beliefs. Being a responsible member of a pluralistic educational community requires that while our beliefs differ, we express those beliefs in a way that honors the dignity of those who disagree with them.
