Emotional harm

Re: WLU censures grad student for lesson that used TVO clip — Nov. 15

I read with incredulous dismay of the emotional brutalization of a young academic meted out by Prof. Nathan Rambukkana and his colleagues.

I read with equal distress his abuse of the historical record and the suffering of millions in war and the Holocaust at the hands of Hitler’s Third Reich.

To conflate a person’s exercise of her speech rights in accordance with academic custom, law and good conscience with the views of one who committed crimes against humanity is libellous.

To inflict obvious emotional harm by such a fundamental assault on her moral dignity

is unconscionable.

It is to be hoped that our universities will strive to be places where all people are respected and safe from distress. This includes people of all gender identities as well as people who do not believe there are many gender identities. It includes people who express a tolerant and respectful opinion, correct or incorrect, on any issue. It includes people who express no opinion, but foster debate. It includes all people.

Rambukkana and his colleagues’ conduct is a shameful lapse in this pursuit.

It is to be hoped that their employer will immediately disavow it, and assure Lindsay Shepherd of the security of her position. Caleb Burney Kitchener