Chancellor’s statement on Law School classroom controversy

By Chancellor John D. Wiley

Note: This column appeared as a guest opinion in the March 10 issue of the Wisconsin State Journal.

Until now, I have refrained from commenting on the law school controversy involving what happened in Professor Leonard Kaplan’s classroom because I believe discussion—while sometimes uncomfortable—is part of what a strong university should offer and tolerate.

Free expression is a cornerstone of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

This week, Provost Patrick Farrell and I met with some of the Hmong students concerned about Kaplan’s class. They have a sophisticated understanding of the free speech issues at play in this case. They recognize the need for open discussion of difficult issues.

The law school continues to explore ways to bring Kaplan and the students together to achieve some closure. I support that idea, as well as the need to move ahead in a constructive manner. Engagement, not accusation, is the only way to overcome differences.

In this age of blogging, instant messages, email and talk radio, it’s easy for isolated incidents to morph into international subjects of discussion for people who have limited knowledge of specific events or issues.

Such is the case with the resentment, apologies and explanations for what happened in that classroom and in subsequent discussions. Although I appreciate legitimate public concerns over free speech and cultural understanding, uninformed accusations do not address real issues. Personal engagement is always preferable.

The caricature of this incident as a beleaguered professor’s right to free speech and a group of oversensitive students and their “politically correct” allies is an insulting disservice to all involved. Similarly, it is insulting to say that this is an insensitive professor abusing his position by intimidating defenseless students.

There is no attempt by anyone, specifically the students, to limit Kaplan’s free speech rights or his academic freedom to choose his own teaching techniques.

The Hmong represent a vital, valued and growing presence here. Our Hmong students are a valued part of our community and their presence here enriches us all.

Recent events have shown that we have more work to do in bridging cultural gaps and sustaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

We have a multi-cultural campus, but the campus also has a culture of its own. It is one where intellectual integrity demands that we challenge ideas. In a society where aspects of race and ethnicity are often misunderstood, we will not chill the honest discussion of these often-volatile issues, and others.

It should be noted, however, that to gain the most benefit from these challenging discussions requires preparation and open attitudes from everyone. How to effectively conduct these discussions is a significant area of scholarship and we need to take advantage of that learning to improve our own classes and conversations.

To stifle classroom discussion would be to abandon our mission, our students, and our society’s welfare. It runs contrary to our “sifting and winnowing” tradition.

I pledge to continue our work to promote diversity, frank conversation and personal engagement to strengthen teaching and relationships on campus.