Yesterday, a banner approved to be displayed on campus by one of our student organizations was vandalized. The College Republicans chapter at the University of Miami utilized the process afforded to all student groups to exercise their right to free speech, yet someone attempted to thwart their expression. This is an unacceptable act of disrespect, and those found responsible will be held accountable.
Our strength is found in our relentless pursuit of truth and our steadfast respect for one another. Any behavior that seeks to silence opinions is anathema to who we are at the University of Miami.
Indeed, the only way we can each feel safe and heard is to offer the same freedom of expression we want for ourselves to those whose views are different from our own. Our individual and collective power rests in our ability to disagree respectfully. I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any act of vandalism, lawlessness, or violence aimed at chilling the speech of anyone in our campus community.
We have learned this semester, perhaps as never before, the perils of abandoning mutual respect. As the election approaches and members of our community exercise one of the foundational rights in a democracy, let us make mutual respect a paramount value of our University. Our classmates, colleagues, and community deserve nothing less.
We are one U. |
