Matt Schwartz’s letter, “Defending the truth of the Holocaust,” (Feb. 27) clearly reflects the mind-set of far too many students and academics on our campuses today.
Schwartz, a student at Northwestern University, actually boasts about the fact that Northwestern students and professors carried out a campaign to condemn the school newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, for publishing an ad which questioned popularly held views of the Holocaust. He goes on to say that the students were inspired to “stand up and fight for what they believe.”
It is unconscionable to attack and condemn a publication for printing unpopular views. If they don’t like what is being printed, then refute the arguments; don’t just curse the writer and then shoot the messenger.
Also a university should not be the place to fight for beliefs. It is this orientation which has politicized our campuses and fostered political correctness. A university is a place where one should question their beliefs, including the most intense.
The version of the history of World War II which is taught is a version which was written by the victors of that war. Today many aspects of that period continue to remain highly politicized and emotionally charged. Almost 50 years have passed and it is time that our university campuses be given the freedom to give more objective perspectives as to what really happened in World War II.
