The Silencing

First Amendment advocate Harvey Silverglate has been one of few voices on the left critical of political correctness.  In his 1998 book The Shadow University Silverglate argued that universities in America “have become the enemy of a free society”.  Through his Foundation for Individual Rights in Education Silverglate continues to chronicle political correctness at universities, and he is unable to report that it is receding.

We have in the recent commencement season had the bar raised for commencement speakers with silencing of such voices as Condoleeza Rice, IMF head Christine Lagarde,  former California Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and others, all for holding views allegedly outside of the academic catechism.  Whether they were disinvited or allegedly withdrew to avoid incidents, the enforcement of conformity has been rigid.  Former Princeton President Bill Bowen as a substitute speaker at Swarthmore made a sharp retort there, but the silencing continues.

I have reserved a special circle of Hell for Brandeis University which offered an honorary degree to Ayaan Hirsi Ali and then withdrew the offer after a protest by the Council for American Islamic Relations.  Ms. Ali a victim of horrible Islamic torture as a child has made a name for herself as an advocate of women’s rights and is currently at Harvard.  I have some relationship with Brandeis and wrote a letter to President Lawrence suggesting that the University had acted in a most craven fashion,  In return I received a copy of a statement issued by President Lawrence saying in effect that Ms. Ali had made disparaging remarks about Islam, and that negative comments about Islam are contrary to the University’s position.

Now I am truly upset.  Islam is an “ism”.  It is a set of beliefs.  As a system of beliefs it is most assuredly subject to criticism by anyone anytime.  Simply substituting the words it is clear that no one could appear at Brandeis who criticized Nazism if the German students might be offended.   We criticize Rastafarians, Incas, don’t get me started.  Brandeis is in the penalty box.