Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The members of Elon University’s EFFECT organization have raised important questions in response to this week’s appearance by syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker, who delivered the Baird Pulitzer Prize lecture. Her remarks sparked significant debate on campus about topics such as free speech, intellectual discourse, sexual violence, victim-blaming, gender/sex discrimination and other issues. To be clear, Elon stands against acts of violence or discrimination toward any person or group. 


Elon brings accomplished speakers to campus to challenge us to think deeply and critically about important issues of our time. We do not attempt to bring only speakers who conform to particular viewpoints or ideologies, but instead seek out diverse perspectives. No matter what the viewpoints of the speakers, we hope the discussion is thoughtful and serious, creating opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Much of the debate this week has been about whether Parker met those standards. Some students felt she did not engage in a serious dialogue with those who sought to question her book and columns. Others questioned the depth and fairness of her critique of this year’s presidential candidates and the issues in this year’s campaign. Personally, I believe those are fair critiques of her lecture. Others may disagree.

No matter how you feel about the lecture, I hope you appreciate the serious approach of the students who stepped up to the microphone to voice their knowledge, perspectives and beliefs on the significant problem of sexual violence, as well as the importance of respecting members of our community who hold conservative points of view. Those comments took courage and are an impressive example of our students’ skills and willingness to engage in difficult dialogue. I commend those who engaged in these important conversations — this is a sign of the intellectual vitality of the Elon community.

In regard to the specific question about Elon’s position on sexual violence, I want to reaffirm we hold student safety dearly and are unwavering in our efforts to prevent sexual violence and provide support to survivors. Each one of us in this community must work every day to ensure a campus culture in which acts of violence are not tolerated and victims are fully supported and never blamed.

Regards,

Smith Jackson

Vice President for Student Life

Dean of Students