Unveiling the Challenges of Campus Free Speech

The fallout over university presidents' congressional testimony on antisemitism has led to criticism of universities losing their moral compass. However, the author, a Jewish American and Harvard alumnus, argues that universities play a crucial role in advancing common values and combating hate. They share personal experiences of studying the Holocaust and intergroup tensions at Harvard, emphasizing the importance of academic exchange and challenging each other's ideas. The author urges not to judge universities based on isolated incidents but to understand their core work in fostering learning and understanding. They advocate for creating spaces where diverse backgrounds can learn from each other without fear of retribution and studying past threats to democracy to enrich the present.