• Forbearance and consciousness of how one’s actions may affect others should always be a strong consideration. We celebrate the exchange of ideas through the freedoms we share as a nation, but intelligent debate is based on mutual respect. Freedom of speech is not properly exercised without taking responsibility for its impact. Taking that responsibility does not negate the freedom, it brings an enhanced humanity to it.
• A letter by UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, and two Vice Chancellors • Condemning the UC Berkeley College Republicans and their “Increase Diversity Bake Sale,” which priced its confections on a sliding scale based on race and gender. It’s intended as a criticism of a bill awaiting signature by Gov. Jerry Brown, which would allows UCs to consider race, gender and ethnicity in their admissions process. We couldn’t agree more with those arguing this is an ineffective means to have a debate, is absurdly reductive, and seems designed to spark the kind of discord that kills any chance of nuanced discussion — in short, it’s a bad idea all around. We will say this, though: Berkeley’s reputation as a haven of free speech needs an inclusiveness for all types of speech to be credible. The BCR has a compelling argument that the administration is telling them in what way they should speak, despite the fact their message, while no doubt horribly offensive to many, isn’t really violent or existentially threatening to the student body. We’re not so crazy about that. (h/t bsig) source

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