Purdue misconstrues meaning of writings

Over the past two years, I have written 22 columns for numerous e-zines and several organizations. My commentaries deal with a wide range of topics, from a movie review of "Rules of Engagement" to speculation about what Bill Clinton might do after leaving office.

Ironically, I have also written about privacy and civil liberties issues, yet the media has chosen to focus on that most likely to produce a juicy story. I do credit the Exponent, though, for being less shrill in its Oct. 18 article than the Chronicle of Higher Education. With time, I trust the hysteria and sensationalism will subside.

If my writings offended anyone, that was not my intention. My writings were not meant to disrupt Purdue or the academic environment. One of the qualities of the Internet is that writing markets are highly segmented and specialized, geared toward interested parties. Frankly, it seemed unlikely that Purdue faculty would frequent those kinds of Web sites.

Indeed, "A Report from the Academic Gulag" was not aimed at Purdue faculty; it was an "open letter" meant to ask an unknown person who had been cyber-stalking me to leave me alone.

It is disappointing that some seem too caught up in the Hollywood image of far right ideas. At least no one accused me of being "John Doe No. 2." When I had my own Web site, before realizing the efficiency of letting others publish my columns, I kept a lengthy disclaimer on the page specifically stating that violence or illegality of any kind against anyone is neither advocated nor condoned. I am an academic, a writer — I use a pen, nothing else.

As the Purdue community ponders the meaning of academic freedom and the First Amendment, let those thoughts be infused with calm perspective and maybe even a sense of humor.

Paul Fallavollita

Graduate Student

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