Guest blogger: Altay Coşkun, UW Classical Studies & think-centrist.com
On January 19, 2024, University of Waterloo administration launched the ‘Freedom of Expression and Respectful Engagement Task Force’. Its purpose is ‘the development of principles that will help create a campus climate of open dialogue and the respectful exchange of ideas’. This initiative is apparently a response to the increased political division and the erosion of democratic values, a process that does not stop at Ring Road, as we were – most painfully – made aware by the terrorist attack of June 28, 2023.
Some of us are perhaps dismayed by the fact that an academic community in 21st-Century Canada should need such guidance; many others certainly hope for another push from it for their progressive and critical values – as we could notice happening over the past half-year in a series of high-profile events, starting out with an appeal to bear with diverse views and leaving the audience with surprisingly one-sided perspectives. This is probably the reason for the suspicion of yet others that the new task force might aim for the opposite it is declaring.
I, for sure, welcome the initiative very much and feel inspired to pursue more actively than before the stated aim of fostering a ‘climate of open dialogue’ and to enhance mutual respect. I would like to encourage colleagues from all Faculties to accept the task force’s invitation ‘to share your ideas, comments, and questions’ and to direct them to avpfpp@uwaterloo.ca or to express them on this website: https://uwaterloo.ca/freedom-of-expression/form/uwaterloo-free-expression-anonym. The best way I can contribute to this process is by sharing some reflections in the hope of stimulating lively yet respectful debate.
Open-minded discussion of controversial matters has been a key feature of my classes on Greek and Roman History for over a quarter-century. Essential for my approach as an instructor is to avoid seeking the one truth. I rather acknowledge that there are multiple perspectives on just about everything. This does not equal uncritical acceptance of random or potentially harmful claims, but historical research has taught me to become less judgmental and to prioritize understanding over seeking confirmation of my own belief. The quality of the evidence, the plausibility of arguments, the inherent biases or interests that guide those conclusions, and the effects they may have still remain to be analyzed. And then I release my conclusions on the market of free enquiry without silencing others. I trust that the strength of my arguments will allow my conclusion to prevail, not my professorial title or my influence as editor or publisher. I am humbly aware that I, too, can err or at least learn from others’ arguments. And I also need to accept in humility that some of my arguments will remain unheard, while I should be glad about all cases in which my words were well received. Yes, there is a large portion of idealism speaking here, and the reality is not always as gentle, but I have been faring well by trying to adhere to these principles. I am truly grateful to the largely free, peaceful, and respectful communities in Germany, England, and Canada where I had the chance to be me and to give my best in return.
The conditions for making administrative or political decisions are slightly different. Here, we need rules to be followed and potentially even to be enforced. We should engage in a fair, respectful, and transparent discussion and, if we must go forward in one direction (which is not always the case), let us put the options to a democratic vote and respect the result, at least until new conditions warrant us to resume the debate. A community based on this principle will show solidarity and resilience, and individuals will continue feeling that they belong, no matter on which side of the debate they stand.
My hope is that, based on broad involvement of the campus community, the new task force will present recommendations along these lines, that they will be put to a democratic vote, and then find the strong support not just at the polls, but also in our daily lives on campus when we will honour the privilege of free speech and call for respect if we see it denied.
Whether you consider yourself progressive or conservative, if you’d like to be part of this process of reflection, consultation, and debate, please be in touch and stay tuned for a first round table in the Grad House in early Spring (to be announced in my next blogpost).
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