To the Editor:
Nathan Bruschi '10 presented a carefully-articulated argument ("Affirmative Action Too Skin Deep?" Feb. 13). While it may have its flaws and be subject to criticism, it certainly does provoke thought on an important and timely issue. The Dartmouth must have concurred in making its publishing decision. Native American Studies professor Dale Turner terms Bruschi's remarks "inflammable" and calls on us to "resist the so-called theories of race espoused by people like Bruschi" ("The wrong argument at the wrong time," Feb. 16). All this reader found were Bruschi's thoughts on complex issues related to affirmative action, but no "theory of race."
It is a shame when a first-year student has the courage to put forward his thoughts on a difficult subject, constructively and with civility, and then is not shown respect for doing so by a faculty member. Dartmouth's newly-published mission statement includes a list of core values, including: "We welcome and respect difference and believe that diversity is a key strength." One hopes this includes respect for a diversity of thought as well as ethnicity or skin color. Another core value in the mission statement is: "We encourage the vigorous and open debate of ideas within a community that encourages mutual respect."
Free speech has been an issue in past trustee races, and the College has made some progress in this regard. But if people are afraid to put forward ideas they know are controversial, because they will be chastised for so doing, we still have a climate that discourages discourse on the topics that may matter most of all. Apparently a part of the "free speech" road still lies ahead. As the faculty goes about their mission at Dartmouth, educating our next generation of leaders, let's see more leadership by their example.
