As documented here previously, students at Columbia University in New York have accused several professors of bigotry and intimidation over the professors' refusal to allow dissident voices about the Israeli—Arab conflict in the classroom.  Arab and/or Muslim and/or left wing professors make outrageous comments in class but prohibit reasoned discussions with other viewpoints. Propagandizing is not educaation the students argue.  The professors have now retorted that their rights of free speech are being suppressed.  And no one is too happy with the university committee set up to investigate the situation.

 

But columnist Nat Hentoff raises several other aspects about the situation that have been overlooked in what is being reduced to a he said, she said argument.  Why is most of  Middle East studies confined to the Israeli—Arab conflict when there are so many other problems within the region?  And what about teaching students rather than propagandizing them?  Good questions.  Now it is time for (disclosure  ahead) my alma mater (MA) to answer them.

 

Ethel C. Fenig  1 02 05