[Ed] OR Professor objects to white students being excluded from campus for Day of Absence

I'm a bit surprised this hasn't already shown up on ISF, so I'll go ahead and contribute.

Here's the scenario: A professor at Evergreen University in Oregon protested a policy shift for the campus' annual "Day of Absence". Historically, the Day of Absence has seen minority students and faculty voluntarily absent themselves from campus on that day, in order to demonstrate the value of their contributions and presence at school. This year, however, it was proposed that instead of people of color choosing to stay home... they should instead insist that white people shouldn't be allowed to come to school. The professor, Bret Weinstein, protested this proposal as a move in the wrong direction:

Quote:

"There is a huge difference between a group or coalition deciding to voluntarily absent themselves from a shared space in order to highlight their vital and underappreciated roles (the theme of the Douglas Turner Ward play Day of Absence, as well as the recent Women's Day walkout), and a group encouraging another group to go away," Weinstein wrote. "The first is a forceful call to consciousness, which is, of course, crippling to the logic of oppression. The second is a show of force, and an act of oppression in and of itself."

As a result of his email, Professor Weinstein has since been subjected to verbal abuse and threats. Police have suggested that he refrain from coming to campus at present, as they cannot guarantee his safety.

Article:
http://ift.tt/2rvQ6LZ

Video of the student objection outside of Professor Weinstein's office:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCZNCmMFwcI

Personally, I agree with Professor Weinstein. I am fully supportive of a day of absence, and if it were deemed appropriate by those involved I would happily absent myself in order to show support for that message. But I would be very offended if it were suggested that I not be allowed to come to campus on that day because of my skin color.

I am also struck by the complete lack of discourse being demonstrated by college students.

via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/2stXAw3