Students, faculty and administration came together Wednesday night during Turlington Turmoil, an open discussion of the acts of intolerance that have occurred on campus in recent weeks.
About 50 people participated in the discussion, which was sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs in cooperation with several organizations, including the Center for Student Activities and Involvement, Student Government, Islam on Campus, the Pakistani Student Association and Pride Student Union.
“Part of the reason we’re here tonight is concerning some of the issues that have occurred in Turlington Plaza,” said Paige Crandall, associate dean of students.
Crandall said the event was organized in response to the SG fliers associating the Student Alliance party with the Nazi Party and in response to the Dove World Outreach Center speakers who wear “Islam is of the devil” shirts.
Demetri Morgan, a political science junior, said he remembers being a freshman and seeing the heated debates and appreciating the dialogue in Turlington.
“In recent years, I feel it’s gotten worse and become more about pushing views upon people,” Morgan said.
Chris Loschiavo, assistant dean of students, said the administration is limited in what it can do in response to what people say on campus.
It can only intervene on acts that constitute a true threat, such as a threat to someone’s life, Loschiavo said.
Ten years ago, the university tried adopting specific hate speech codes, but they were all struck down in court, he said.
Students formed small groups to discuss how they can have more civil discussions about controversial issues on campus.
One of the ideas presented included holding an open forum on Turlington Plaza once a month that focuses on the current issues talked about on campus.
Crandall said she appreciated the array of ideas.
“Students seem committed to have change occur,” she said.
