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Week intended to stir debate, voice opinions

Re: “Facebook threats made against USC clubs” March 3, 2010

To the editor:

While it is disturbing students would receive threats on Facebook related to any issue, I would like to congratulate the University Students’ Council for fulfilling its role in the promotion of debate on campus.

Not all students may agree with the message of “Israel Apartheid Week,” but the point of the events is not to convince everyone to hold the same views. It is instead to challenge entrenched opinions and raise awareness of the suffering that has been visited upon the Palestinians by decades of land confiscation, racial segregation, abductions, systematic torture and the killing of unarmed civilians by the most advanced military in the Middle East. No matter how these actions are defended or rationalized, it is important that students should at least be aware of the situation. It is equally important for those who believe such actions to be justified to have the opportunity to explain their viewpoint.

I wholeheartedly agree with USC president Emily Rowe and vice-president student events Justin Arcaro in their sentiments: an academic institution should promote debate and the airing of all opinions, rather than stifling expression out of a fear of controversy.

—Wajid Sayeed
Med IV

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