Twitchy has been following a number of college protests recently, many of them seemingly inspired by a Halloween controversy at Yale which has now led a lecturer to give up her teaching position. Erika Christakis, who wrote an email defending students’ rights to dress in potentially offensive Halloween costumes, such as turbans or blackface, came under fire from both students and faculty.
Yale lecturer whose email ignited debate abt racism has decided not to teach there in the future https://t.co/uFNamJDOf4 via @bi_university
— Julie Ketover (@JulesHK1) December 6, 2015
Boston.com quotes Christakis’ email as reading, in part, “American universities were once a safe space not only for maturation but also for a certain regressive, or even transgressive, experience. Increasingly, it seems, they have become places of censure and prohibition.”
A letter of support signed by nearly 50 faculty members read, “We are deeply troubled that this modest attempt to ask people to consider the issue of self-monitoring vs. bureaucratic supervision has been misinterpreted, and in some cases recklessly distorted, as support for racist speech; and hence as justification for demanding the resignation of our colleagues.”
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean tweeted his approval of Christakis stepping down from her teaching position, arguing that there are things more important than free speech.
Yale faculty member at center of protests will leave teaching role https://t.co/vums1UlRAl Free speech is good. Respecting others is better
— Howard Dean (@GovHowardDean) December 5, 2015
CNN anchor Jake Tapper reminded Dean that regardless of which of the values one considers “better,” only one is constitutionally guaranteed.
@GovHowardDean of course only one of them is enshrined in the Constitution.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) December 5, 2015
Dear @Yale in 140 characters, its not possible for me to express the respect I've lost for you. Its just Halloween. https://t.co/Y9UfvSTwZO
— Terry Brennan (@TerryBrennan211) December 6, 2015
Anger does not even begin to come close to what I feel after Erika Chistakis has decided to not teach at Yale. Time for a new uni system.
— Mike in Portland ? (@nrokchi) December 6, 2015
@jaketapper Had our HR dept just add Yale to our NO HIRE list. Inability to manage students not acceptable in managerial circles
— Bill (@mrbill66) December 5, 2015
https://twitter.com/Baptist4freedom/status/673301202919026688
https://twitter.com/Baptist4freedom/status/673302067696406528
Congratulations you delicate little flower twatwaffles at Yale. https://t.co/FwIoKXj0SY
— bmaz (@bmaz) December 5, 2015
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