Letters to the editor

Re: “Pro-life students arrested at Carleton,” News, Oct. 20, 2010
What does freedom of speech sound like to you? The abortion debate is definitely one of the most emotionally charged debates that exist, but there’s apparently nowhere for people to hear and learn about the issues surrounding it anymore.
It is frankly unacceptable that several pro-life, tuition-paying students at Carleton University were arrested because they refused to take their protest signs into a closed classroom.
These students have the right to a peaceful protest. A protest, by definition, is an expression or declaration of an opposing view. Protesting in a closed classroom isn’t really a protest, now is it?
University campuses are paid for mainly by the government, and by student tuition. Thus, the campus belongs in part to the students and the government. It seems funny that government-given rights seem to be the ones getting trumped by an administration that is not part of either group.
As students, we are challenged to think outside the box, develop our own opinions and listen to those of others, no matter how ridiculous they may sound to us. Heaven forbid we put this into practice and actually try to spread a message to a broader audience or show our disapproval with something going on around us.
The fact is, the abortion debate is rarely ever mentioned inside classrooms today. As many of my previous university professors have said, they just don’t want to get into something as emotionally charged as that.
If we can’t talk about it in the classroom, and we can’t talk about it out of the classroom, where can we talk about it?
Erin Stewart

Re: “Pro-life students arrested at Car- leton,” News, Oct. 20, 2010
I am appalled to hear pro-life students were arrested at Carleton University Oct. 4, 2010 after attempting to put up a pro-life display on campus. What is this saying to a generation of students who are supposedly in an environment where education and learning are embraced? Pro-life groups on university campuses all over the country are constantly being silenced while groups of the opposite view are openly embraced. Universities should be allowing an atmosphere where students can freely debate those issues that can be hard to face. Why reject all ideas that are different than those of a popular view?
Just because a view isn’t widely supported in certain arenas, doesn’t mean that it should be swept under the carpet. Canada was built on equality and freedoms. Most take things like freedom of expression and freedom of speech for granted until they are put in a position like these students were. For the sake of this nation, we need to take a stand against this type of injustice.
Rachel Barrett

Re: “YFS Schulich director accused of harassment,” News, Oct. 20, 2010
As a student from the Schulich School of Business, I would like to commend Gregory Kay for his efforts to try to represent our faculty, which is already underrepresented at our university, at the Canadian Federation of Students annual general meeting. I read in the article that Kay tried to apply to attend the meeting and was refused by another member. This makes me question Jeremy Salter’s comments on the lack of tension between him and Kay, especially since there was controversy surrounding the disqualification of Kay and other members during last year’s election process.
In addition to the concerns surrounding Kay’s case, I find it strange YFS board members are not permitted to share information discussed in meetings with non-members. I agree that this demonstrates a lack of transparency in our university’s student union, which is supposed to be working to represent us. I do hope that this issue gets resolved and Kay’s name is cleared, as I have always known him to be an excellent representative who does his best to serve the constituents he represents.
Alicia Gutierrez
Re: “York prof questions Hillel’s advocacy,” News, Oct. 20, 2010
As a Jewish student at York University, I am offended and insulted by prof. David Noble’s remarks against a Jewish student group at York. By attacking and isolating the Jewish student group, Noble is making a campus that’s already toxic and unwelcoming for Jewish students a more poisonous environment.
Being a Jewish student in Canada means many things to me. It means broadening my horizons and gaining knowledge. It does not mean feeling ostracized by students and faculty. It does not mean professors using the classroom as a podium to reveal their personal political leanings. It does not mean Jewish students hiding their religion, ideas and opinions for fear their professor will grade them lower.
It is the responsibility of the administration and faculty to ensure students feel safe, something they have failed to do. York is perceived as unfriendly because of the actions of people like prof. Noble.
Marlee Mozeson
Re: “York prof questions Hillel’s advocacy,” News, Oct. 20, 2010
As a Jewish student in York University’s community, I am offended by prof. David Noble’s remarks against a Jewish student group at York. In particular, I disagree with his calling on president Shoukri to end York’s support of Hillel due to the club’s advocacy on behalf of the state of Israel. Comments such as these, especially from the university’s so-called “noble” and “elite,” have no place in any university, and more importantly, incite intolerance and hatred, which is all too common at York University.
Nobility is not something received at birth, it is a virtue earned through the tolerance and respect of others. Prof. Noble, your name may spell it, but you are an individual who is far from noble.
Avi Benchetrit