Alumnus Comments on the Need for Mutual Respect in Sharing Views

Author: [no author name found]

I do not believe that freedom of speech is an absolute, but is guaranteed to the extent that it does not transgress on the rights of others. As an example, no one is permitted by law to willfully or maliciously slander the moral character of another person.
I have been an intense advocate of mutual respect. Though we may be challenged by human beliefs and actions, we all have a moral obligation not to judge the character of another person. To do otherwise is disrespectful and fosters contempt.
Ari Fleischer, a member of the Middlebury community, was invited to share his experience as press secretary with students. He was neither elected nor appointed to a public office responsible for the creation of national policies. He was appointed as an intermediary of information between the president and the press corps.
As such, I think he has met this demanding responsibility as well as his predecessors did in the Clinton administration.
I endorse student demonstrations of opinion, provided they are governed by the moral code of mutual respect. Such ethical conduct often fosters accomplishment of what collectives of people seek.
Gandhi was a supreme example of respectful dissent that shattered the armor of British colonialism in India.
Middlebury students commit themselves in writing to mutual respect. If such a commitment is set aside by passions of the moment, the quality of academic freedom and campus life is degraded to a pathetic level.
Every alumni I have met speaks with glowing respect of the progressively higher quality of matriculated students. I would encourage students to respect other students as much as the alumni do.
Please join me in sustaining this outstanding tradition of mutual respect at Middlebury College.

Robert A. Jones graduated from Middlebury College in 1959. He is currently a trustee at Middlebury College