DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Students for a Democratic Society, Herrnstein lecture, February-June, 1972 | 1972-03-08 Daily Iowan Letter to the Editor: 'Stuit answers challenge'

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Students for a Democratic Society, Herrnstein lecture, February-June, 1972

1972-03-08 Daily Iowan Letter to the Editor: 'Stuit answers challenge'

STUIT ANSWERS CHALLENGE

To the editor: 
 I have been asked by Elaine Johnson to respond publicly to her invitation to debate the issues surrounding the cancellation of the Herrnstein lecture which was scheduled to be given on Friday, February 25, 1972. 
 I am quite willing to debate the subject of academic freedom if arranged under the auspices of a recognized and responsible student group. I believe that the subject of academic freedom is of such importance that students, faculty and administration should be willing to participate in such a discussion if guarantees are given that the kinds of conditions will prevail which make serious discussions possible. 
 I do not feel that I am called upon to discuss the merits and demerits of the article written by Dr. Herrnstein and which appeared in the September issue of the Atlantic Monthly. What I am concerned about is that Dr. Herrnstein was effectively denied the right to speak here last Friday afternoon. The seriousness of this infringement of academic freedom is something which I am quite willing to discuss under appropriate arrangements. 
   Dewey B. Stuit
   Dean of Liberal Arts College

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STUIT ANSWERS CHALLENGE To the editor: I have been asked by Elaine Johnson to respond publicly to her invitation to debate the issues surrounding the cancellation of the Herrnstein lecture which was scheduled to be given on Friday, February 25, 1972. I am quite willing to debate the subject of academic freedom if arranged under the auspices of a recognized and responsible student group. I believe that the subject of academic freedom is of such importance that students, faculty and administration should be willing to participate in such a discussion if guarantees are given that the kinds of conditions will prevail which make serious discussions possible. I do not feel that I am called upon to discuss the merits and demerits of the article written by Dr. Herrnstein and which appeared in the September issue of the Atlantic Monthly. What I am concerned about is that Dr. Herrnstein was effectively denied the right to speak here last Friday afternoon. The seriousness of this infringement of academic freedom is something which I am quite willing to discuss under appropriate arrangements. Dewey B. Stuit Dean of Liberal Arts College