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10/30/01
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Opinions

Student's views shouldn't result in his dismissal

Regarding Purdue's graduate student and "Neo-Nazi" Paul Fallavollita, we have to ask ourselves if this is a problem. I envision my letter will be printed next to ones that call for his dismissal or a hearing or some such nonsense. I foresee a picture in the Exponent of a dozen protesters huddled together, holding signs reading: "Tolerance, not Hate," "No Bigots at Purdue" and "Hate Crimes won't be tolerated." It's certainly understandable to be upset that someone with white supremacist views would be a doctoral student in political science here, but you should not advocate his removal for his extracurricular beliefs. He's not going to get his doctorate without doing legitimate work.

The proper way to deal with the situation is to refute the views you object to. The answer to bad speech is more speech, not less. To make an exception in this rule because he has Nazi views would be wrong. He should not be punished for his views even when they are the most repugnant to us. To do so would be in the spirit of those who let the Nazis take those believed to be Communists. Why should you be concerned if the Nazis carry off those Commies? You hate Communists. But when you allow or encourage people to be ostracized for their political beliefs, any political beliefs, you could find your views the next target.

Ben Lorenz

Junior, School of Liberal Arts

 

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Purdue Exponent 2001