Dear Editor:
Enclosed is a copy of the letter I plan to hand-deliver to President Jesse Rogers’ office. The letter expresses my views about the university’s choice of Dr. Ben Carson as keynote speaker for MSU’s May 2013 commencement.
Elizabeth Minden, instructor
Midwestern State University
Mass Communication Department
Dr. Rogers:
Story continues below advertisementMy initial reaction to learning that MSU’s 2013 commencement speaker is the same person who made such inflammatory comments on a nationally televised news program is one of outrage.
After much reflection, I am still outraged.
As you noted, Dr. Carson is entitled to his opinion about any issue. However, he is not entitled to discuss his opinions before millions of viewers and not expect backlash—even from a small educational institution in Bubba-land.
Why? Because whatever Dr. Carson discusses at commencement on May 11 will be overshadowed by his very public personal opinions and value judgments. Many faculty, students and others view his presence at this event as an endorsement of bigotry and intolerance, however brilliant a neurosurgeon he is and whatever his humble origins. His engagement for the keynote address speaks volumes about this institution’s values.
You also noted that one of higher education’s goals is to engage students to think critically about issues and, thereby, increase understanding and tolerance. However, hosting a commencement speaker such as Dr. Carson, whose views on marriage appear to be based on syllogistic reasoning and homophobia rather than critical examination and logical thought, contradicts that goal.
I do not know whether Dr. Carson’s services as commencement speaker were engaged prior to his comments on “Hannity,” but I believe it is in the best interest of this institution to disengage his services—regardless of whether a donor has paid for them.
To say I am disappointed that Dr. Carson will be our commencement speaker is an understatement. I’m outraged.
Matt • May 10, 2013 at 6:31 PM
As a former student of Midwestern State University, a lifelong resident of the Wichita Falls area and small business owner in the field of journalism and mass communication, I believe it is time for Ms. Minden to escape from “Bubba-Land.”
It is a sad day when someone in Ms. Minden’s position must resort to derogatory terminology when referring to the residents of a city.
George • May 7, 2013 at 11:23 AM
It is so interesting that those who demand tolerance of others are the least tolerant when their perverted view of marriage is challenged. Critical thinking demands open debate on both sides of an issue. Of course when folks like Elizabeth Minden have closed their minds to “critical examination and logical thinking,” except when the debate is in the confines of their own ideology, then they resort to name calling and character assassination in a vain attempt to silence the opposition. Such tactics only shows the weakness of their own argument and their inability to articulate their own position. Besides, it is interesting that in gay relationships (i.e. same sex- marriage) one of the partners assumes a more feminine submissive role while the other partner assumes a more masculine dominate role. This really shows that God intended marriage to be between a man and a woman. The gay community has perverted that. In more common sense reasoning, nothing is held together by two nuts; a bolt (the male counterpart) is always required. It doesn’t take a lot of “critical thinking” to accept that reality. The world needs a whole lot more Ben Carsons who are willing to speak the truth and not bow to the politically correct progressive elites who seek to kidnap our academic institutions. Wichita Falls and MSU ought to be very grateful to have a man of Dr. Carson’s impeccable character to come and address our community.
Jeanne • May 3, 2013 at 3:36 AM
It’ s sad that the state’ s universities are so skimpily funded by the legislature that university presidents can become overly beholden to donors. One of MSU’ s donors made the news for flying his flag at half mast when Obama was re- elected. Could this be the one who wants to bring Carson to town?