Support

As an alumna of Ithaca College I would like to express my appreciation that you published Asma Barlas’s article "Why Do They Hate Us?" in the Quarterly. It is critical to publish different perspectives and show that Ithaca is committed to a diversity of opinion. The faculty and staff at Ithaca have to give the College’s students and alumni the confidence to make their own decisions and form their own opinions. College teaches us to be thinking beings that will not be swayed or influenced by one article.

On a personal level, I am very proud that Ithaca printed an article that analyzed historical and political circumstances in an environment that is saturated with pro-American propaganda. Yet my respect for the writings of Professor Barlas has nothing to do with the fact that freedom of speech should be even more of a priority now that the nation is in a time of crisis. I am sure there are many differing opinions on this issue; it is good that you opened up the floor for this debate.

Alison Powers ’99
Brooklyn, New York