To the Editor:
The heinous reaction to Daniel Pipes' visit is demonstrative of an atmosphere of intolerance that permeates the Brandeis community.
Once it became known that Pipes was to visit campus, an "emergency" meeting was called regarding the "possible event," implying that Pipes should be prevented from coming.
The night before the event, the "Coalition for Tolerance" marched to oppose the "intolerable" views to be presented the next day. While Dr. Pipes was speaking, protesters walked out directly in front of the podium; one even threw a pile of papers at him.
This is not an isolated incident of disrespect for non-leftist views; the Ethics Center advertises events to various left-wing groups, but not to conservative groups. Such neglect represents a false and discriminatory assumption that conservatives are not concerned with ethics and justice.
The problem extends beyond extra-curricular activities. I have had to endure classes with professors who freely speak about "evil" Republicans or our "stupid" president. While I've often spoken against such bias, there is a distinct sense of hostility and disregard for equality.
Conservatives are a legitimate minority on this campus. Unlike the apologies that are made to other minorities who are attacked, our community is accepting of attacks on those who espouse conservative values.
In an academic institution that prides itself on tolerance and diversity, why is there so little tolerance for a diversity of views?- Rebecca Langer '05
Middle East Forum At Brandeis, Vice President