During the winter, there was quite a dispute surrounding the Biscuit Fire.  Strong feelings were expressed on both sides of the issue.  Legislators and policy makers got involved.  Each had their own agenda.  Charlie Ringo, a retiring state senator, proposed censorship.  He would have Oregon State University remain silent on the politics surrounding forestry.  Read all about the issue here.

Censorship in universities is especially troublesome.  Universities are a place where students learn to challenge their own ideas.  If a set of ideas is not subject to being challenged because the law restricts what can be discussed, how will students learn to challenge their own ideas, improve their options, and evaluate arguments?

When we place certain topics off limit from discussion, whether at a university or elsewhere, we limit our ability to improve. 

Am I alone in wondering whether our inability to listen to ideas that differ from our own contributes to many of the problems that society faces at a local, state, regional, national, and global level?  If this is an issue, it seems to me that the best place to start dealing with the issue is at the local level - in our communities, especially our academic communities.

revised 10/8/2006.

Filed by Coleen Davis at 6:09 am under Cultural Issues, Solving Problems