Butler: The Anti-Intellectual Atmosphere

All,

The events that have transpired at Butler are truly saddening.. Butler suing one of its own students over comments that were critical of the administration. I wish to discuss the faults I find with the situation.

1.) Dr. Comstock's Fear: Dr. Fong, in his statements, said that Dr. Comstock feared for herself, her husband, and their property. I haven't seen Butler take any measures to heighten their protecetion of this administrator. I feel that statement was simply an outright lie.

2.) Using Fear and Scare Tactics: Dr. Fong also brought up the Virginia Tech shootings as an 'excuse' for the actions the administration took. This is simply idiotic, not only that, but it is was downright wrong on the administration's part. In the name of campus security, Butler pursued their lawsuit to figure out the identity of someone who was anonymous, and who posed no threat to any person at all. (Oh by the way, if Dr. Fong viewed this as a REAL threat, I certainly haven't seen any more patrols around Butler at all...)This has set a dangerous precedent at this school, and suing Jess for his postings/letters is such an egregious action, that it simply disgusts me. It simply seems that the University Administration is simply trying to silence it's dissenters and the PR Nightmare that would have ensued, however, it has made it only worse.

3.) Where's the Integrity: From what I've seen thus far in the response of the University Administration, it's been full of holes and untruths. Dr. Comstock's fear ? (Ha, You must be kidding me...) Campus Security Thing ? (Oh please....) The longer and longer this is going on, the more and more the University digs itself into a hole, and the more and more this hurts the reputation of the University. And what a dishonorable way to treat a student of this University. It almost seems that if the University is getting knocked down, then it might as well take a student with it.. So unclassy...



So.... Where does this leave us ? What are the effects of the current actions taken by the University ?

1.) An Anti-Intellectional Atmosphere - The Actions taken by the administration have created such an atmosphere of FEAR, that faculty members are scared to speak out on the subject, for fear of retribution by the Administration. What has this University's Administration come to ? They have so scared the people that work here , that they are scared to voice their opinions. Hmmm... in my survey of history, this type of thing sounds familiar. Trying to silence criticism, and those who criticize sounds like what happened in Germany during World War II. Now by no means am I implying certain things, but I am saying there are a lot of similarities. I'm just relating fact with fact. And because of this, who would want to come and study at a place, where students did not feel free to express their true opinions ? Who would want to work in a place, where because of the fact they feared for their jobs, they were afraid to speak out ? In an education environment, such as the ones we are in, we are taught to think critically, and be 'intellectual'. However, the Administration's actions have told us that this is not OK.

2.) PR Nightmare: Well Butler, this is your fault. You now have National News media covering this story. Sorry pal, you have to deal with the consequences.

Is there a solution ?....

Yes. Butler simply needs to drop the lawsuit, apologize not only to Jess and his Family for the stress this places on them, but also to the Faculty and Students for the fear and residual effects that this has caused. Perhaps, just perhaps, the administration will come to its senses. If not... we might just well need some new people in the Butler U. Administration who value free-speach, and an intellectual environment, where people are free to think and make critical decisions/discussions as they wish. After all this what college is all about right ? Critical thinking, furthering your intellectual endeavours ?

Come on Butler Admin, shape up, or ship out.


Regards,


JB

2.) PR Nightmare:

Symposium on Free Speech and Political Discourse

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"How do you feel about having rights? How about free speech? What do you think about Butler suing one of its own students for libel and defamation - simply for speaking his mind?

If you haven't heard about the legal battle our university is waging against Jess Zimmerman, a junior here at Butler, I strongly urge you to visit Jess's blog: http://www.akadoe.blogspot.com/
Start with his first post, at the bottom of the page.

Here is Butler English Professor Bill Watts's op-ed piece in the Collegian about the suit: http://thebutlercollegian.com/index.php/opinion/694-butlers-lawsuit-is-unnecessary-frivolous
Collegian article about the faculty senate on the lawsuit, including comments by President Bobby Fong: http://thebutlercollegian.com/index.php/news/717-fong-addresses-faculty-senate-about-truebu


Now that you're a little caught up, want to do something about your anger/confusion/outrage? Then you should attend a faculty-hosted Teach-In on Free Speech and Civil Discourse, this Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30pm - 8:30pm in PB 156. From History Professor, feminist and Collaborative member Dr. Deno:

"Please join the faculty, staff, and student body of Butler University in an open exchange about free speech and civil discourse. Bring your friends, your ideas, and your voice!! Spread the word!

What constitutes civil discourse? How do you distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable speech? Who decides? What is the proper response to speech deemed unacceptable? Butler's current libel suit and the ensuing media coverage raises a number of questions about what constitutes civil discourse on the modern college campus. We'll grapple with these and other questions in what promises to be a lively session."


PLEASE, PLEASE go to this session! Even if you don't know the whole story - come find out. Even if you feel like you don't have anything to say - come listen."

Introduction

Hello! This blog for me will serve a couple of purposes. One of which is to provide my commentary on the goings on of Butler in all aspects, administration, PR, food-service, education, and everything in between. I feel compelled by recent events to publish as well my thoughts on all things pertaining to my experiences in the atmosphere of higher education.