Support

I am a graduate of the Park School. As a student at Ithaca I was lucky enough to take several classes with Professor Asma Barlas. I can say unequivocally that she is the best teacher I studied with in my entire scholastic career. She is not always popular because she asks tough questions and provokes people to think in ways that are difficult and challenging. She encourages students to think critically --- a valuable skill that translates to many aspects of life.

A few days after September 11 I e-mailed Professor Barlas, hoping that the backlash had not affected her or her family. Unfortunately, it had. And after that, her essay in the ICQ was an unpopular position to take. However, her point of view really needs to be expressed and examined. I applaud you for giving her a forum to express these views, and I hope that any backlash will not prevent you from printing further opinions or ideas that may be controversial.

I trust that Ithaca College will continue to support people like Professor Barlas who challenge us to look at the world from different perspectives. And I hope that the ICQ will stand by the printing of Professor Barlas’s essay and not bend to those who might disagree with her. While we may not always agree or like the opinions or views of others, it is always important to at least consider them. Thank you.

Mathieu Lejeune ’98
Chicago, Illinois