Dear editor:
In the April 28, 2016, edition, a guest editorial dated April 23 from The Commercial Appeal discusses diversity on college campuses. Paraphrasing here "apparently legislators know more about promoting diversity on college campuses than professional educators." The author disagrees, but I would ask for a definition of diversity. Apparently, almost anyone knows more about promoting political diversity on campus than professional educators. When hiring for teaching positions at Ivy League colleges carries the strong implication that "Conservatives need not apply," does that promote political diversity?
Why can't all colleges in America inform their students that there are two major political parties in this country, they have different opinions about things, and it's OK to listen to things and read things and see things you may not agree with?
So long as someone is not causing harm to you, what does it cost you to listen or look or read things you don't agree with? The more you know about the things you disagree with, the better equipped you will be to convince other people to follow your way of thinking. Violence won't get it done, not for me at least. If you cause harm to me, I will vote and argue against you, but I might be convinced by a strong, logical, informed argument.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Would that professional educators could understand the meaning of that phrase.
M. Wayne Spencer
Hot Springs
Editorial on 05/02/2016