Carleton President Roseann O'Reilly Runte - 16 January 2009 letter to university community 

Dear Colleagues and Students,

In 1920 H.G. Wells wrote that history and humanity were on a collision course and that education was the only means to avoid disaster. That perilous course and solution remain the same in 2009.

Respect for others is possible when understanding exists.  To understand others we need to open our minds and free them of prejudice in a space which encourages peaceful exchange and dialogue.  Universities must provide this environment and university leaders must vigilantly defend both freedom of expression and civil behavior.  Intellectual boycotts are self destructive and tantamount to the closing of minds.  Universities must include a respectful context for representing the most diverse points of view.

I believe that to be most effective, a university president must speak out to defend the principles on which education is based.  I also believe that if the president has a personal opinion, he or she should not use the position of president to give it expression and weight.  By so doing, it could be implied that this position was one adopted by the institution as a whole.

If  universities are to be a buffer zone which prevents the violent collision of opposing points of view, their leaders must resolutely avoid the temptations of ideology and politics.  They should speak out to defend universities as inclusive forums of ideas but should neither condemn nor support people whose ideas are conflicting.

There must be a place where all sides feel safe to speak and where reason and rationality prevail no matter how passionate the debate and the debaters.  This space can best be created when the leadership remains steadfast in demonstrating and maintaining respect for all.

My heart is filled with sadness today.  In war there are no victors, only victims.  If there is to be an end to conflict on earth, it will come through peaceful and respectful discussions.  I hope that universities the world over can foster such dialogue.

Sincerely yours,

Roseann O'Reilly Runte

President