Respect is intrinsic to University’s mission
Now that we are settling into the new school year, I would like once again to discuss community standards at the University of Oregon.
This university has long been dedicated to supporting and preserving the freedom of thought and expression for all its members. These freedoms are so important they will underscore the report on diversity I expect to receive in the near future from the Diversity Executive Working Group.
Community standards are a critical part of what we are and what we stand for at the University of Oregon. In fact, the University of Oregon Affirmation of Community Standards, a resolution passed by the University Senate in March 2000, is prominently and permanently displayed in the Free Speech Forum at the Erb Memorial Union. The fact that the resolution holds such a place illustrates the importance the University ascribes to values contained in the resolution.
Among the points in this affirmation of standards is the University’s long and illustrious history in the areas of academic freedom and freedom of speech. The University seeks to foster a culture of respect that honors the rights, safety, dignity and worth of every individual. We respect the privacy, property and freedom of others. The University rejects bigotry, discrimination, violence or intimidation of any kind. We practice personal and academic integrity and we expect it from others. We also promote the diversity of opinions, ideas and backgrounds, all of which form the lifeblood of this great university.
It is especially important to remind ourselves of the importance of these standards when we see behavior that does not exemplify the qualities contained within the affirmation of community standards. Displaying a lack of sportsmanship at athletic events or being unwilling to consider different points of view are just a few examples.
Respect for the rights of all is an integral part of our mission at the University of Oregon. We should keep this in mind as we continue with this academic year.
Dave Frohnmayer
President, University of Oregon
Editorial misconstrues merit of Bogart’s project
News coverage in the Emerald on Brian Bogart’s courageous strike-for-peace has been admirable. The ongoing story is rare and deserves the attention the Emerald has given it. So it’s difficult for me to suggest that a recent editorial (“Protesting Not a Valid Substitute for Classes,” ODE Oct. 4) reveals a misunderstanding of Bogart’s effort, which is wisely approved by political science professor Jane Cramer.
Maybe a little jealousy creeps in when student writers covet Bogart earning credit “for sitting outside for hours each day,” while classmates invest hours in the classroom. To the contrary. When he is not explaining the peace problem to pedestrians, Brian continues intensive individual study of the course and its text – when outdoor elements permit.
The Emerald editorial failed to make note of the great number of morning and evening hours Bogart has spent – and continues to spend – monitoring and studying Pentagon and research Web sites on his computer. It acknowledges Bogart has been given a freedom the Emerald supports for students, namely “leeway to pursue their interests.” But it doesn’t go far enough. While exploring and documenting sinister aspects of military funding for campus research, Bogart also does a public service rarely achieved by one student’s study.
By contrast, the Emerald ignores its journalistic responsibility of investigative reporting by responding to University officials’ claim that “no weapons research is being conducted here” with the rebuttal: “We sincerely hope this is true.”
That is naive, lazy journalism.
“Students,” concluded the editorial, “deserve to know what their school is up to.” If absence of investigative reporting leaves a dangerous vacuum in student awareness, how fortunate that one student, Bogart, works hard for all of us to bring facts to light.
George Beres
Former manager of the University Speakers Bureau
Inbox
Daily Emerald
October 13, 2005
0
More to Discover