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Debate
deviates from set topic
By Zeina El-Halabi---
Following the recent censorship of Outlook, a discussion concerning
the freedom of expression at AUB took place on May 24. Acting
Dean of Student Affairs Waddah Nasr and students gathered to
debate both sides of this hot issue. Unfortunately, a bulk of
the discussion deviated towards other issues of student concern
such as increases in tuition, financial aid and service quality.
"Part of what makes [the] University unique and important is
this commitment to freedom." Dr. Nasr began by introducing AUB's
mission statement as a clear and liberal proclamation. He added
that student representation and the existence of a student paper,
as well as the student clubs and societies in AUB are all essential
for the process of learning and development. "Mutual respect"
for others is also part of acquiring a proper education, according
to Nasr. "Desired as it may be, there should be no limits to
freedom," said Dr. Nasr. However, "In the most civil societies,
the necessity to have limits of freedom arises," Dr. Nasr continued.
Therefore, it is necessary to trace the source of regulations
and procedures that govern the AUB community as well as the
justification for their implementation. The bylaws of the Board
of Trustees called the "corporate bylaws" are followed by AUB.
Hence, "AUB is owned and run by the Board of Trustees," which
does not seek personal interest but wishes to have the University
succeed and maintain its standards, explained Dr. Nasr. Specifically
concerning the issue of the censorship of Outlook, the president
recently formed a committee composed of Outlook's editor-in-chief,
Hussain Abdul-Hussain; the acting dean of students, Wadah Nasr;
Outlook's responsible director, Ibrahim Khoury; the vice president
of the USFC, Ruba Mourad; and the Outlook faculty adviser, Muhammad
Ali Khalidy. The committee will study Outlook's bylaws to create
a clear and public set of policies and procedures to eliminate
previous ambiguities and implement a new process accepted by
everyone. Students then led the rest of the discussion to various
other issues. They voiced their dissatisfaction about the distinct
barrier separating the administration from students concerning
such problem areas as financial aid and tuition increase issues
that have not improved over the years. The Board of Trustees,
which meets twice a year, is not involved in students and their
life on campus, said some students. When referring to Outlook,
some said the censorship decision was due to mismanagement by
the administration. Others viewed the decision as a matter concerning
student responsibility. It was thought that the administration
was infringing on the responsibility of the students. Others
informed Dr. Nasr that students who have political affiliations
and represent specific political parties clearly exist at AUB
and are proud to be known as such, and therefore should not
be denied this right. Dr. Nasr replied that the administration
has a strong fear that any political clashes within AUB might
provoke internal divisions. Hence, the policy at AUB is against
the identification of individuals belonging to such political
parties. "We are in an American university, but we are in Beirut,"
said Dr. Nasr. |
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