CAMPUS NOTICE

 

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

May 10, 2010


ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UCSD
ALL STUDENTS AT UCSD

SUBJECT:    Respect for Our Colleagues During Discourse and Debate

Today begins an active week of lectures, Library Walk displays, and classroom debate that will touch passionate, heartfelt beliefs for many in our campus community. Pro-Israeli and Pro-Palestinian supporters will visit our campus at the invitation of our students and faculty. Speakers will address the politically charged issues that are shaping the news and international policy.

As diverse groups here on campus debate the issues, I remind everyone – student, staff and faculty – that the very foundations of this (and every) university are set upon the rock-solid principles of freedom of thought and freedom of speech. And rising from those sturdy foundations are the civility and respect we offer our fellow academics and our student colleagues, regardless of their arguments, regardless of their beliefs.

I encourage you to listen to each other, and to learn from each other. That is, after all, why we are here – to open our minds and make new discoveries. We may not always agree, but, as Aristotle has said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

Discourse and debate are natural in the halls of our great university. Let us work as colleagues, guided by reason and respect, to ensure that our discussions are worthy of our institution.


Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor