Colorado College Yik Yak Punishments

Letter to President Tiefenthaler Extremely Disappointed Alumnist This is a long letter, but I think its worth reading if you are truly interested in the issue of free speech on CC's Campus. This Letter is being CC'd to every member of the Board and Faculty. Feel free to comment via e-mail if you agree or disagree. I love free speech of any stripe. -------------------------------- Dear President Tiefenthaler and Colorado College Administration, I’m a proud graduate of Colorado College. I’ve always been proud of the school —proud of the broad minded, “liberal arts” education it afforded me. CC’s greatest gift to me, was to open my mind to ideas, cultures, philosophies, and politics to which my young mind had never been exposed. The cross disciplinary perspective of a liberal-arts education offers unparalleled opportunities for intercultural engagement. Personal interactions, in and outside of the classroom promote exposure to diverse social environments where students engage in dialogue about new ideas and complex issues. In this academic and social environment, students become more adept at understanding multiple perspectives and more capable of critical thinking in ways that enhance perspective, quality of life, and success in a diverse world of work and community. For example, I took a political science class during my tenure from a visiting professor who was a self-described, devote communist. His views about virtually everything were the polar opposite of my own. And while his extremist views did not cause me to radically alter my own, the class discussions debate the pros and cons of both proved to be among some of the most personally enriching and enlightening of my 4 years at CC. I grew tremendously as a person once planted in the fertile CC soil of free thought, free expression and tolerance —tolerance for even those opinions with which I strongly disagreed. To me, Colleges and Universities should serve has society last safe harbor for

Do the right thing, admit your mistake, and let these kids back in school.

It becomes pretty hard to consider CC an institution of true higher education if the administration won't allow the slightest snide comment, let alone actual public discourse, if it happens to offend some students. Learning happens through the free flow of thoughts and ideas, especially the ones you disagree with.

I used to be immensely proud of Colorado College and the education and experiences I gained there. But I am embarrassed by the school's handling of this situation and the insane way the administration thinks they can control speech. College is a time of learning and growth. To punish immature adolescence in the way it did is shameful.

CC's action was inappropriate and self- defeating. I am deeply disappointed by the overreaction and presumption to control free speech.

With these ridiculous expulsions, CC has lost the chance to lead a campus-wide and national dialogue about casually committed racism. Instead, the school my son attended has opened itself to national ridicule.

Colorado College has become an object of national ridicule as a result of this insane abuse of authority b

I've known Thad since he was 10 years old and have watched him grow into a well-balanced, generous and open-minded individual. He's ambitious, self-aware and kind hearted. Although he's made a stupid mistake, the six seconds he spent typing a crude joke should not define his future.

The young men were being honest when they admitted what they had posted. I commend them for that. I've tried to raise my kids to be honest, and it's especially important to be honest after one has made a stupid mistake. The punishment is over the top and ridiculous.

I concur with CC Professor of Political Science David Hendrickson's thoughtful views on the matter in the interview titled 'Over the Top: CC’s Misuse of the Disciplinary Process'. It can be found here: http://ciphermagazine.com/blog/?p=4283

You people took it too far.

I am a CC Alum and support the need to take seriously racism on campus but the punishment in this case does not fit the offense. It sends the wrong message to students and the community about what CC stands for. Please change this decision now.

Please don't harm the futures of these kind, bright students over a small lapse of judgement.

If students are expected to be fully culturally aware upon arrival to Colorado College, what's the purpose of their education? Admitting your mistakes and seeking forgiveness is the first step in personal growth. If we set a precedent of condemnation for honesty, what kind of behavior can we expect from students in the future? I don't accept the administration's behavior as suitable in addressing racial issues on campus. Stop making students scapegoats for the climate of incivility on campus, and take real action to address it instead.

This lack of tolerance for free speech is not what I expected when I sent my daughter to CC. Students need to be supported and allowed to grow and mature.

The First Amendment is the most important piece of the entire USA. Anywhere and anytime it is not followed is an opportunity for ignorance to thrive. The school never should have even been involved. Shame on CC.

This punishment is far too extreme for the crime. It also immediately clamps down on true discussion and sharing of the feelings by POC students, prevents learning from this situation on campus for everyone and is a reactive response in an attempt to appear to be "addressing the issue". In no way does this further explore racism, the function of apologies, truly responsible behavior or function to improve race relations.

Lessons will be absorbed more fruitfully with the students continuing to be a part of the college, rather than being shunned, to brew in their own immaturity.

Class of '91

Outrageous!