Dissent and Dignity

March 12, 2003

Our country appears to be headed on a path toward war with Iraq. The approach of war has already generated intense reactions throughout the world, in the United States, and within our own Rutgers community. These deeply felt reactions are almost certain to escalate as events continue to unfold. I sincerely hope that war will be avoided and that peace and international safety will prevail.

Whatever the days ahead may hold, Rutgers University, with its long and proud history of encouraging discourse on controversial issues, must be a model of debate, dialogue, and education. This is a highly appropriate and powerful role for our institution. We must guarantee the freedom of all to express their beliefs and for each voice to be heard. There can be no shouting down of expression, no denial of debate by a blanket of noise or actions that suffocate our individual and collective rights. We are a richly diverse community, composed of a tapestry of individuals, religions, and cultures, which by their very differences enhance our understanding of our world and each other. It is important to honor these differences, especially in this time of divided passionate opinions.

At the same time, we at Rutgers must ensure that freedom of expression is not used to incite hatreds and demonize individuals and groups. The exercise of our constitutional rights should not be used to damage the fabric of our institution's openness. Civility and respect are compatible with academic freedom. A university is a place where the dignity of each individual must be affirmed by public actions that demonstrate tolerance and openness.

Rutgers faculty and students will engage in seminars, debates, demonstrations, forums and all manner of expressions in the days ahead. These are to be welcomed. I call on each member of our community to exercise their rights of expression with respect, tolerance, and dignity toward others who may speak and feel differently. The right to dissent and the right to criticize are enormously powerful principles. They are also enormously fragile in the face of hatred, intolerance, and repression. We must keep Rutgers open and free for dialogue, with dignity and tolerance.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey