The poisonous pollination of college and university campuses by purveyors of hate speech can cause administrators angst. Determining how best to strike a balance between allowing the free flow of ideas while rejecting the racism inherent in the mere presence of such communicators is making the work of college administrators one of the most stressful jobs in the professions.
If we are not diligent about preserving the value of ongoing dialogue, in a very short period of time, we will become uncomfortable in our own skins questioning every gesture we see and deciphering every word we hear. Despite the skittish times in which we live and the temptation to try not to be seen or heard, we must heed the mother’s advice to her child: “Use Your Words.”
Gwen Dungy 