GlobalWide News
The Financial Times: US universities, particularly Stanford and Berkeley, are grappling with escalating campus tensions due to the conflict in Gaza. Carol Christ of Berkeley is seeking to balance free speech with student safety and education, amidst a climate of intense polarization over the Israel-Hamas conflict. This polarisation is fueled by various stakeholders and is prominent on social media.
Reports of Islamophobia and antisemitism are rising in the US, particularly in northeastern states and prominent universities with significant Jewish populations and a history of Palestinian scholarship.
University leaders, like Christ at Berkeley, emphasize the importance of free speech, especially in public universities. Initiatives to foster tolerance include forming committees to address sensitive issues, encouraging diverse groups to live and interact together, and promoting civil discourse.
At Harvard, new measures are being introduced, such as increasing the number of residential proctors and collaborating with PEN America for training on academic freedom. Students are encouraged to engage with controversial topics and understand different viewpoints, moving away from the trend of avoiding sensitive topics in schools.
In an effort to promote understanding and respect for differing opinions, leaders like Christ at Berkeley circulate messages urging respect, even in disagreement. They hope that upcoming events like Thanksgiving and Christmas, coupled with a potential ceasefire, might ease tensions, but remain vigilant and prepared for any developments.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.ft.com/content/0310e104-39e6-4e17-be60-a468bc4900f1
