Posted on 11/26/2007 9:06:11 PM PST by Nakku
Well, our school gained infamy awhile ago with the "don't tase me bro" incident. Definitely an embarrassment to our school. Well, some people just don't learn from history and their mistakes. Several weeks ago, the Law School Republicans, of which I'm a member, UF Jewish Student Org. along with couple other student groups sponsored a showing of "Obsession." The flyers said, "Radical Islam Wants You Dead." Is this not true? Of course its true. Well, the school admin attempted to prosecute us for it. Now, they want us to publicly apologize for it and provide "clarification." The letter below was sent to the entire student body today by the UF VP of STudent Affairs. We were not notified about this nor asked for our perspective. Please spread this story! Thank you.
To: All University Students
From: Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin Vice President for Student Affairs
Re: Official Response to a recent advertisement for the movie "Obsession"
Throughout our country, we have witnessed a rise in offensive behavior and actions taken against others, which has created greater divisiveness and misunderstandings among the various ethnic groups residing in our communities. One of these events occurred on our campus recently with the promotion of an event.
Advertisements for the movie "Obsession" sponsored by several student organizations appeared during the past several weeks on campus bulletin boards and they llustrate the importance of balancing freedom of speech with responsibility.
The ads, which promoted a showing of the movie on Nov. 13 and a panel discussion afterward, entitled "Radical Islam Wants You Dead," offended many Muslim students on campus. Regardless of its original intent, the language reinforced a negative stereotype, created unnecessary divisiveness and contributed to a generalization that only furthers the misunderstanding of the religion of Islam.
We cannot speak of rights without also addressing the responsibility associated with our actions or statements, including understanding the potential consequences. One of our roles as a learning institution is to teach our students to express themselves freely, and also in a fair and conscientious manner. In an academic setting, differences of opinions are strongly encouraged, yet such opinions must be based on accurate information when describing other members of the community.
Unfortunately, in the case of the "Obsession" ads, that did not happen. I believe the groups that posted them owe the campus, and particularly campus members of the Islamic faith, an apology and a clarification.
At the University of Florida we have embraced a set of values, one of which is diversity. Diversity is not just about having representation from various cultures on campus, it also is having each member contribute to an inclusive and safe environment and collectively enhancing our understanding and appreciation of the richness brought by such differences. The University of Florida is committed to being an institution of excellence, where all members are valued and feel safe on our campus. Our role as an institution is to create opportunities for students to learn in an open and accepting environment; one that emphasizes respect for all. Let's remember that part of our mission is to prepare each other to be effective members of a global community. With that in mind, I encourage each member of our campus community as a start to learn more about the religion of Islam and some of its tenets of peace, hard work, charity and compassion.
There is little room for divisiveness in our world if we are to find peace and understanding among us. We all can win if we focus on greater inclusion and understanding as well as the delicate balance between our rights and responsibilities. "
Also, heads up there will be a debate on Illegal Aliens with Jerome Corsi. That will bring out the brown shirts.
http://insideuf.ufl.edu/2007/11/16/immigration-debate/
What a bunch of maroons
Offensive jihad against infidels is a part of Islamic teaching that cannot simply be swept under the rug. The school is promoting a propagandistic view of Islam that does not comport with the reality of the world today. And the ad did specify "Radical Islam". Be sure and get FIRE involved if this goes further.
I say we should have “Logan’s Run” in reverse.
For all your education Dr., you didn't learn much.
Well, not much that isn't liberal pablum at any rate...
And what is more offensive to the UF muslim students?
That more than a few Americans recognize that the Q'uran commands warfare against non-believers? Or that they might be "persecutes" in response to Our Nation's well-justified "fears" about what Islam preaches?
Those poor Nazis were so misunderstood. < /sarc>
Diversity, Global Citizen all new NEWSPEEK that I never heard until the 1990’s. Makes me ill.
I guess you could reply “Somewhere, there may be one Islamist who does not want every American dead; we’re still looking for that Islamist.”
Regardless of its original intent, the language reinforced a negative stereotype, created unnecessary divisiveness and contributed to a generalization that only furthers the misunderstanding of the religion of Islam.
The issue is "radical Islam". Letting the terrorist elements within Islam escape debate under the guise of PC views on "the religion of Islam" is antithetical to the academic freedom universities hold so dear.
Sell the letter on Ebay?
Here is a link to another letter from 2005 with strangely similar wording by the same administrator. Apparently she gives much thought to each and every incident brought to her attention.
Sure, you have free speech....but if you use it irresponsibly* we’re going to have to censor you.
*responsibility - will be defined by an unbiased, non partisan group of open minded, tolerant libs.
INTREP
Um, you mean we should kill those UNDER 35, or we should bring the dead over-35s back to life?
Actually I believe the age was 30.
“or we should bring the dead over-35s back to life?”
Hadn’t thought of that. I don’t know about that, but under 30? Off with their heads. We don’t need no government raised kids.
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