Liberal arts education is rooted in preparation for citizenship; in the 21st century, we should aim toward a vision of inclusive citizenship, where everyone in the community shares equal rights to and responsibility for ensuring civility, respect for difference and a sense of belonging.
Rigorous examination of one’s place in the universe, working to gain new insight and understanding, are precisely the types of activities that should happen at a college.
We need concrete plans and actions on how to move us closer to our aspirations of being a community where free expression is not in opposition to inclusion, but where these two principles work in harmony.