My response to the President of Columbia University and his email regarding Professor De Genova

Email from the Prsident of Columbia University | April 4, 2004 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

Here's my response to President Bollinger email to me from Columbia UNiversity (the Presidnet's email I am responding to is included after my response):

President Bollinger,

I got your response to my emails regarding the atrocious comments by Professor De Genova.

While I am gratified that you find Professor De Genova's words revolting, I am wondering what you are going to do about it. Your response was completely absent of any action on your or the University's part regarding censoring, punishing or reprimanding the Professor at all. In fact, your email was noteworthy for that absence in my opinion.

Words are not enough Mr. President, we are dealing with a situation so outlandish and so beyond the pale that actions are required..

President Bollinger, a Blackhawk helicopter was downed a couple of days ago killing several Americans in Iraq. Reports from Baghdad indicate that the Iraqis learned a thing or two from Mogadishu.

Quite frankly, I am more concerned about the harm and death the Professor's words serve to incite from our enemy, and the pain resulting from THAT, than I am about sensibilities offended by his mere words.

There is responsibility and accountability that goes along with free speech and the professor exhibts neither.

I must say, that unless the University shows some responsibility and removes such an individual from your employ, I will continue to do all in my power to get not only Alumni funding cut off to Columbia ... but I will extend my efforts to their Federal funding you recieve as well ... I don't want my tax monies paying for someone like De Genova to make such comments to our youth at College "teach-ins".

Please respond and let me know what substanative actions you plan as actions showing consequence for De Genova's words.

Sincerely,

Jeff Head
http://www.jeffhead.com
Emmett, Idaho

Here is the email I received from President Bollinger to which I was responding. I received this email in response to my own initial email that was posted on FR HERE:

Mr. Jeff Head

I want to acknowledge your email message concerning Assistant Professor De Genova's remarks. I am appalled by his outrageous comments. I want to assure you that his comments in no way represent my views nor anyone with whom I have spoken at the University. His comments were not made in a classroom, but rather at a teach-in, an informal gathering where faculty and students come together to discuss and debate the pressing and important issues of the moment. They are not authorized or officially sanctioned classroom experiences.

Assistant Professor De Genova was exercising his freedom of speech when he made those remarks. However, free speech does not insulate him from criticism. Our faculty and students, regardless of their position on the war, have not been silent in their denunciation of his remarks.

While Nicholas De Genova's words properly invite anger and sharp rebuke, there are few things more precious on any University campus than freedom of thought and expression. That is the teaching of the First Amendment and I believe it should be the principle we live by at Columbia University.

I appreciate your adding your voice to those who have expressed their opinions. At a time of war, when American troops are in harm's way, his comments are especially disturbing. I am particularly saddened for the families of those whose lives are at risk and who must endure the pain provoked by his statements.

Sincerely,

Lee C. Bollinger
President
Columbia University

[DBtoo]

Who is the good-looking guy?

[Risa]

>>This is a new phenomenon in our country being egged on by the Powers that Be.<<

Free Republic people typically think for themselves, DBtoo; I've yet to encounter one whose thinking is 'egged on' by any 'power that be.'

regards,
risa

[DBtoo]

That is a good idea to boycott. People do need to become more active in order to try to turn things around.

[DBtoo]

We already have the marxist version.

[Stopislamnow]

Don't forget Belly Girl.

HUA!

[Dr. Scarpetta]

He sent me the exact same letter, word for word.

[Brian Allen]

<< Assistant Professor De Genova was exercising his freedom of speech when he made those remarks. However, free speech does not insulate him from criticism. Our faculty and students, regardless of their position on the war, have not been silent in their denunciation of his remarks.

While Nicholas De Genova's words properly invite anger and sharp rebuke, there are few things more precious on any University campus than freedom of thought and expression.

That is the teaching of the First Amendment and I believe it should be the principle we live by at Columbia University. >>

[Except that every word is of Bollinger's response is unmitigated BarbAra Streissand] -- So far, so good.

But where on Earth in:

"Congress shall make no law .... abridging the freedom of speech ....;"

.... does Bollinger find the licence to deny De Genova the dignity of the consequences of his actions?

The subversive traitor, De Genova, may rest assured that the Congress will refrain from ordering him silenced.

But nothing in Our Beloved FRaternal Republic's Founding Law can be sufficiently parsed as to be made to read to protect him from being fired for subversive treachery!

And from thus being saved from the pain of having to accept any further installments of his American-taxpayer-provided American Government Dole!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the heads up!

[madfly]

ping

[alisasny]

I got the same exact letter not that I am surprised but did not respond yet. Will do so shortly.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

am appalled by his outrageous comments. I want to assure you that his comments in no way represent my views nor anyone with whom I have spoken at the University

BIG FAT LIAR

[Mr. Mojo]

No one is denying the idiot his first amendment rights. He has the right spout any political opinion he wants, regardless of how insane. But Columbia alums can withhold their donations if they think the University isn't taking the appropriate action (firing the SOB). This, and the pressure brought to bear by us regular folks who want to see his traitorous ass ousted, is entirely appropriate. No one is suggesting that any government action be taken. I think you completely misunderstand the concept of first amendment rights.

[RikaStrom]

The complete lack of action by the president of Columbia is worrisome.

I can recall times where people were punished for their speech, because as many have said, "Yes, you have the right to speech, but in some cases is is right to make such speech?"

Keep up the good work Jeff, it's a pity that the president of that school cannot see your logic.

[glennaro]

Torie, as much as it pains me to do so (from the content of what the assistant professor said), I agree with you that he should not be summarily dismissed from Columbia. I like Bill O'Reilly's suggestion that he should instead be shunned, scorned and even ridiculed by students, faculty and administration for his immoral, inciteful and hateful remarks. This, along with his not being considered for advancement, will effectively punish him for his misdemeanor.

[sausageseller]

Your reply to him should include " Where is the diversity of opinion at Columbia? Are any professors wanting all homosexuals dead employed at Columbia? How many professors are KKK members? ....

[Hobsonphile]

Leftism on Campus ping!

If you would like to be added to the Leftism on Campus ping list, please
notify me via FReep-mail.

Regards...

[EdReform]

Thanks for posting this!

BTTT

[mel]

Absolutely

[ppaul]

Lot's of folks on this thread keep stressing that "Columbia is a private institution", then say this lowlife, scum, traitor should not get fired becuase of "freedom of speech".

It is a private institution. They can hire and fire whomever they choose to. What about freedom of association? What about the "private" University's freedom of speech? They should fire the bum.

[vrwcregistered]

Free speech does NOT imply freedom from ANY consequences from exercising it. Think of it as "there is no LAW against speaking out."

It is kind of sad that so many of us don't really understand what free speech means.

Your rights STOP where my nose STARTS.