Yes to Terrorists, No to ROTC?

[unhappycamper]

Yes to Terrorists, No to ROTC?
Anita Doberman | September 27, 2007


This week, Columbia University was on my mind. Since I’m an alumna, I was bombarded by e-mails, statements from alumni offices, and all sorts of comments regarding Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s speech at the university. My inbox was full of messages stating that Columbia had exercised true freedom of speech and that the United States, and the world, was better off because of it.

I beg to differ, on both points.

~snip~

Columbia administrators claim that having the Iranian president speak shows the world that the University believes in and protects our freedom of speech.

I believe this isn’t true. A four letter word comes to mind: ROTC. ROTC isn’t allowed on the Columbia University campus. Students have to attend classes at other colleges in New York if they participate in it.

Inviting someone who is anti-American, who denied the Holocaust, who claims that there are no homosexuals in Iran (which ironically is the same reason why ROTC isn’t allowed on campus, because of discrimination against gays and lesbians) is enlightening. But having ROTC on campus is oppressive and discriminatory?

~snip~

I would like to see Columbia and the other Ivy Leagues invite ROTC back on campus. Maybe some of these students, professors and administrators who invoke freedom of speech as the basis of their actions or rather inactions can learn about the men and women who protect these freedoms with their own lives.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,150743,00.html

[UnyieldingHierophant]

1. Do you agree or disagree with this?

[unhappycamper]

6. ROTC is nothing more than the military trolling for bodies.

Boot camp, uniforms, military education, military testing, etc. etc.

Next time you go to a Veterans Day parade, pay attention to who is up front in the march and who is up front in the ceremonies: the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and ROTC.

IMO, I think ROTC should be eliminated. But that's just me.

[FormerRepub]

2. I agree with you.

I admire you for speaking out. I believe your position on this issue is a valid one and, actually, the only one for an enlightened person to take in my opinion. I was particularly annoyed at the rant the President of Columbia gave to his guest prior to the Iranian's speech. It's my understanding that the present Columbia administration has also denied Donald Rumsfield from addressing its students.

[Kolesar]

3. Banning ROTC is not a "free speech" issue, it is a "discrimination" issue

Or at least that is what the Columbia people tell themselves.
Columbia administrators claim that having the Iranian president speak shows the world that the University believes in and protects our freedom of speech.

I believe this isn’t true. A four letter word comes to mind: ROTC. ROTC isn’t allowed on the Columbia University campus. Students have to attend classes at other colleges in New York if they participate in it.

[T Wolf]

4. There are many differences between ROTC and any "speaker"

A university can (IMO) present any speaker who is appearing as precisely that - a speaker who is offering a viewpoint on a topic. That is what a educational institution does - present information (or views) to educate their students. There is no implied enforsement of the viewpoint.

OTOH, ROTC is an employer. Allowing them on campus implies approval of the employer in all its policies - even those that violate laws (anti-discrimination, etc.) Because the military is a discriminatory entity, they should not be allowed to, not present information on a topic, but attempt to enlist students in what may be a discriminatory entity.

Two entirely different entities (ROTC vs. speaker) with two entirely different agendas. So, YES, they can be treated differently.

[Captain Hilts]

5. Me too. ROTC is an effective way to get less wealthy kids onto campus. nt

[TahitiNut]

7. Exactly. There's a thing called ROTC Scholarships.

By banning ROTC they eliminate those working class kids who might need the financial assistance that ROTC offers.