In our Nation of Immigrants

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 
-- Equal Opportunity Statement, University of Minnesota (emphasis added)

I shouldn’t have to say more. But, what a mess! That’s the most polite thing I can call it when the leader of the country decides he wants to discriminate on the basis of religion and national origin. The founding fathers would be so proud.

We are all Americans, regardless of how we look, talk, or pray; we should not deny potential Americans because of how they look, talk, or pray. Support our students; support each other.

Freedom to speak/freedom from fear

In the past couple of years, we have seen a re-ignition of the age-old debate and conflict between free speech and what I might call freedom from fear. We all know about freedom of speech; even disgusting, hateful, hurtful, vile speech has the right to be uttered with few restrictions (e.g., inciting lawless or violent action). FDR had “freedom from fear” as one of his four freedoms, and in his context the fear was fear of neighboring nations. In our student-oriented academic context, I would say that freedom from fear is the provision of an environment in which all in our community are welcome and comfortable in being themselves. These two important freedoms can easily be, and often are, in opposition.