Richard Witty sent along this letter he got from Clark President John Bassett today–two weeks after Witty, and countless others, I guess, sent Bassett letters opposing his decision to disinvite Finkelstein. Is this old news? Globe seems to have had it, indirectly, here. I gotta say, I think this is a pretty good letter for such an important person. How many of us admit our mistakes so openly. And yes: the world is changing. Next: As'ad AbuKhalil! Writes Bassett:
I want you to know that the students have arranged for
Professor Norman Finkelstein to speak at Clark University on April 27, only four
days later than the date originally discussed. Clark is dedicated to full and
free inquiry on all controversial issues, especially including the relations
between Israel and Palestine. My decisions along the way in this case were made
in an attempt to balance two goods—free inquiry and common courtesy to visiting
speakers. And, the decisions were always made with my primary concern being what
is best for Clark University. I freely admit that the process could have been
better. I should have begun by consulting with the leaders of the sponsoring
student organization, not by announcing a decision. I also should not have
assumed that, because April 20-24 is the last full week of classes, nothing else
could happen until fall. That assumption left too many people thinking that free
speech was in abeyance for five months. The students involved have conducted
themselves in the best “Clark way” and I hope the result shows that one can
achieve both goods.
Thank you for being interested enough to send me your
concerns.
Sincerely,
John Bassett
President
Clark University
