Students should be allowed open dialogue with speakers
Letter
Issue date: 10/1/02 Section: From WCL
- Page 1 of 1
Dean Claudio M. Grossman:
As a WCL alumnus, I wanted to express some of my concerns with the format of the lecture-presentation given by President Barak of the Israeli Supreme Court on Monday, September 23rd.
First of all, I am glad that the WCL' s international reputation places it in a position to entertain important speakers from around the world. I thought that Judge Barak's visit would allow WCL to demonstrate how the school prides itself on its international reputation, to showcase the students of a first-tier legal institution in front of a United States Supreme Court Justice, and to show that WCL embraces debate and critical thought on the tough issues of the day. Instead, I was disappointed to see the one-hour lecture end with Judge and Professor Barak disappearing into the audience without an opportunity for students to ask any questions.
Furthermore, I am concerned about how the international reputation of WCL might be affected by the example of denying students the opportunity to participate in an open dialogue with guest lecturers - particularly those who play a critical role in highly contested areas such as the Middle East. One of the most important functions of an academic institution is to foster an environment where a free exchange of ideas through an open and honest dialogue can take place. In such a context, the opportunity for students to benefit from a broad discussion and a diversity of viewpoints is maximized. Clearly, WCL fell short of its obligation to the students in this particular instance.
In the future, I hope that WCL will take steps to ensure student participation in all guest lecture-presentations. Allowing the free exchange of ideas during all guest lectures can only help the WCL to solidify its reputation as an international leader in legal education. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Shervan Sardar
Class of 2002
As a WCL alumnus, I wanted to express some of my concerns with the format of the lecture-presentation given by President Barak of the Israeli Supreme Court on Monday, September 23rd.
First of all, I am glad that the WCL' s international reputation places it in a position to entertain important speakers from around the world. I thought that Judge Barak's visit would allow WCL to demonstrate how the school prides itself on its international reputation, to showcase the students of a first-tier legal institution in front of a United States Supreme Court Justice, and to show that WCL embraces debate and critical thought on the tough issues of the day. Instead, I was disappointed to see the one-hour lecture end with Judge and Professor Barak disappearing into the audience without an opportunity for students to ask any questions.
Furthermore, I am concerned about how the international reputation of WCL might be affected by the example of denying students the opportunity to participate in an open dialogue with guest lecturers - particularly those who play a critical role in highly contested areas such as the Middle East. One of the most important functions of an academic institution is to foster an environment where a free exchange of ideas through an open and honest dialogue can take place. In such a context, the opportunity for students to benefit from a broad discussion and a diversity of viewpoints is maximized. Clearly, WCL fell short of its obligation to the students in this particular instance.
In the future, I hope that WCL will take steps to ensure student participation in all guest lecture-presentations. Allowing the free exchange of ideas during all guest lectures can only help the WCL to solidify its reputation as an international leader in legal education. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Shervan Sardar
Class of 2002