Again, there is a student protest. According to Chancellor Kent Syverud’s email on February 19, students are protesting incidents of racism, anti-Semitism and hate that happened repeatedly in recent weeks. I fully understand that students have the right of protest and free speech. I also understand that they have legitimate grievances, both about the racist incidents themselves and about the administration’s response. But, can protest really solve the problem?

SU has 22,850 students and 5,281 faculty and staff. If any student or faculty group resorts to a protest whenever they encounter something unfair to them, how many protests will we see in the future?

This makes me ask, what is the value of a university? To me, the spirit of exploring the truth and gaining knowledge are the core values that define a university. Sadly, in recent years, I only hear the voices supporting one side, the protesters. I do not dare to express my opinion openly if I am not in favor of them.

Supporting students always seems to be the only politically correct choice. I am frustrated. I believe the essence of democracy is to allow everyone to express their opinions. As the saying goes, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” But I do not feel this on campus.

If my recent experience made me feel frustrated, then one scene from November’s protest shocked and frightened me. One day as I walked through the Quad, as the protests began to diminish, I suddenly saw a slogan hanging on the two pillars in front of Hendricks Chapel with hand-written words on a white canvas: ‘Bye Kent.’ I immediately felt as if I were back in the era of China’s notorious ‘Cultural Revolution’ in the 1960s when a chancellor of a Chinese university was held on the stage of a playground with a paperboard hanging on his neck and on this board was written his name, covered by a striking cross.

The analogy is exaggerated, but comparable: a lack of respect for authority. I believe mutual respect is essential. I believe communication is more productive and what is needed to move forward together. Let us work together now to build one university!

 

Peng Gao

Professor of Geography

Syracuse University

Published on February 26, 2020 at 9:36 pm