In a thought-provoking opinion editorial for Fox News, Dr. Shoshana Shendelman, a scientist and trustee of Columbia University, delves into the pressing challenges facing higher education today.
She argues that institutions like Columbia are at a critical juncture, grappling with internal ideologies that prioritize chaos over creation and grievance over growth. Dr. Shendelman, who has a personal history of overcoming adversity, draws on her family's escape from Iran during the revolution, highlighting their pursuit of the "American dream" through education and hard work.
Dr. Shendelman reflects on her own transformative experience at Columbia, where she earned her doctorate and was inspired to establish a biotech company focused on rare diseases. However, she expresses concern over recent developments on campus, where students, including her own children, feel unsafe due to intimidation rather than intellectual debate.
She cites a report from Columbia that reveals a significant percentage of Jewish (87%) and Muslim (83%) students feel uneasy expressing their beliefs, underscoring the pervasive atmosphere of fear.
After voicing her concerns about antisemitism, Dr. Shendelman found herself targeted by media critics. She emphasizes the distinction between builders and destroyers, stating, "its easy to destroy, but we are a nation of builders." She underscores the importance of innovation, problem-solving, and positive change, contrasting these with the negativity and disruption of those who seek to tear down existing systems.
Dr. Shendelman calls for a recommitment to the values that have historically defined Columbia University as a hub for innovation and intellectual growth. She warns against the ongoing campaigns that threaten to dismantle the institution's legacy, describing them as acts of desecration rather than civil dialogue. "The world is full of destroyers," she notes, but it is the builders who "carry humanity forward."
This issue, Dr. Shendelman argues, extends beyond Columbia, posing a moral choice for the nation. She questions whether society will elevate or dismantle its institutions and whether students will be empowered to think critically or silenced by intimidation. She advocates for teaching the next generation to contribute positively to society, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent free speech and open-mindedness.
Dr. Shendelman concludes with a call to action, urging a collective effort to rebuild institutions like Columbia to ensure they reflect the hope, freedom, and opportunity that define America. She asserts that this is a pivotal moment for leadership, where building requires bravery, and that courage will ultimately spread across the nation.
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