UNL students restricted by new ‘respect’ policy
WILLIAM NARDI – ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY •SEPTEMBER 2, 2016
‘Nonnegotiable’ list of expected beliefs about diversity and inclusion
Calling the University of Nebraska Lincoln a place that “values acceptance,” the institution kicked off the fall semester with its newly installed chancellor essentially telling new students they should not say or do things that might be offensive or cause people to feel disrespected, calling the stance “nonnegotiable.”
“We insist on a culture of respect, and we recognize that words and actions really matter,” Chancellor Ronnie Green said during a speech at the new student convocation on Aug. 19.
While suggesting the university values free speech and freedom of expression, Green – who took the helm of UNL this summer – went on to declare: “We do not tolerate actions of hate and disrespect.”
The policy, being called by campus leaders a set of “belief statements” on diversity and inclusion, is also spelled out on its website.
Green’s comments come as Christianity and conservatism — even support of Donald Trump — is accused of being intolerant, hateful and racist on campuses nationwide.
I find this policy to be of offensive and it is causing me to feel disrespected.
(honestly – no sarcasm here)
What does UNL plan on doing about this?
Can’t we find a way to respect the First Amendment without becoming Fascist?
Hate speech is incendiary and dangerous –but– being/feeling generally disrespected?? That’s a part of everyday real life. I don’t think there’s a solution to that unless someone invents a way to change human nature at its core.
There is no such thing as “hate speech”.
Speech is speech.
The idea of hate speech or hate crimes was originally to cover things like painting a swastika on a Jewish grave. Simply prosecuting for graffiti doesnt seem sufficient. The problem is that it is now being abused to respond to every perceived slight. We are a culture that worships victimhood. It is beyond what even Ian Rand imagined.