COLUMN: USU a place for civil dialogue
My first meeting as president of Utah State University was with our students. My first thoughts each day as president most often turn to our students. My first few months have only expanded my appreciation for the students who attend this university. My hope for each student is that your days here are memorable ones, days filled with discovery, learning and excitement.
As we wind down this semester, I hope we are all a little wiser than we were even a few months ago. Higher education, when done right, is not about indoctrination, but it is much about expanding and sharpening our critical thinking skills. While this process may touch nerves and create occasional disquiet, it is meant to expand our ability to learn and appreciate at higher levels. Crucial to this process is the environment of learning.
While we value free expression, we also value a climate where everyone feels safe and welcome. To quote from our code, a university is “a just community, a place where the dignity of all individuals is affirmed and where equality of opportunity is vigorously pursued…” It is sometimes a fine line that we walk, one in which we must take great care to never cross when language turns from spirited to spiteful. Whether it is an issue of racial discrimination or sexual orientation, a university should always be a safe haven for open discussion and civil dialogue. We encourage robust free expression and exchange of ideas on our campus in balance with civility and respect for others.
My hope is that we always foster a climate conducive to learning – an environment of dignity, respect and tolerance. It is my responsibility to do all I can to help create at Utah State University just such a climate. But it is also, I believe, a responsibility shared by us all. I hope we can bring this academic year to a close by all of us reaffirming our commitment to this important ideal.
Stan Albrecht is the president of Utah State University.