The president of Northwestern University, Morton Schapiro, is taking a strong stance in answer to student protests that took place there in mid-October. He disagrees with conservatives concerning police violence and black equality, but he refuses to engage in Cancel America Culture.
Schapiro received many messages concerning the student protests. Among their demands was the abolition of the Northwestern University Police Department. He made it clear in a letter written to students that he understands the students’ concerns, but the school has absolutely no intention of doing away with the NUPD.
While Schapiro drove home that the university supports free speech and the right to protest, they do not condone breaking the law. He spoke heatedly against protesters creating havoc and threatening families and businesses.
He was incensed about crowds blocking the streets of downtown Evanston and nearby residential areas, disrupting businesses and local families, defacing property and violating laws and University standards. Schapiro also angrily noted that some appeared to be outside activists.
He made it clear that there was an intent by these organizers to escalate matters and to provoke a response from the police:
“I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the overstepping of the protesters. They have no right to menace members of our academic and surrounding communities. When students and other participants are vandalizing property, lighting fires and spray-painting phrases such as “kill the pigs,” we have moved well past legitimate forms of free speech.”
Schapiro was profoundly upset that protesters went to his home and chanted obscenities. He asked them how they would feel if this happened to their parents and siblings. He chastised them by saying they should be ashamed of themselves for doing this.
As university president he went on to emphatically state that he refuses to engage with individuals who continue to use the tactics of intimidation and violence. And he made it abundantly clear that people will be held accountable for their actions.
Schapiro has lost all patience with these law breakers, bullies, and vandals. This is an example of a responsive and responsible college leader – one that Americans can support and stand behind.
Recent Comments