College campuses across America have been through turmoil with student protests due to ongoing conflict in Gaza that has resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives in response to a brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. Hundreds of students and faculty members have been arrested and detained.
I attended school and college in my land of birth, Pakistan, under the rule of Gen. Mohammed Zia-ul Haq, who choked the opposing voices and even thought processes with the brutal force of state apparatuses, especially on college campuses.
The religious and patriotic furor was utilized as a tool to justify the onslaught on freedom of speech and the peaceful right to protest. It weakened the voices of reason and strengthened the minority of extremists who, in a matter of a couple of decades, destroyed the fabric of society.
School and college campuses that were supposed to be nurseries of critical thinking were heavily censored by Gen. Zia, who banned student unions and political clubs. Police and military forces were often deployed on the campuses to suppress the progressive thought processes and dissent among students and teachers on the campuses. It was an atmosphere of fear and terror that essentially choked the student activism and furthered the Islamization of educational institutions by infusing extreme ideologies in the curriculum.
Many student leaders were jailed; others fled to neighboring countries to escape persecution.
Individuals may feel marginalized and silenced in an environment where particular viewpoints are suppressed or oppressed. It can stifle intellectual growth, creativity and critical thinking, as individuals may fear voicing their perspectives or engaging in open dialogue. This lack of diversity of thought can hinder progress and innovation in academia, which is the strength of our nation.
Suppression of peaceful protests will create a culture of fear and intimidation and pit students against one another. Students will be hesitant to speak out against injustice or advocate for change for fear of backlash or retaliation.
This un-American behavior can perpetuate a cycle of silence and compliance, preventing meaningful conversations and actions toward positive social change.
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Suppression and oppression on college campuses can further divide our society and negatively impact our youth. It is crucial to create a safe and inclusive environment where all voices are heard, respected and valued.
By promoting freedom of expression, diversity of thought and open dialogue, we can cultivate a culture of understanding, tolerance and unity among young people on college campuses and in society as a whole.
As college students bring their passion home, away from the relative safety of academia, students need to understand that disagreement is a natural part of life and that learning to disagree respectfully can help them better understand different perspectives.
In the context of the Gaza war, where emotions run so high and opinions may be sincerely held, young people must approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints. By engaging in civil discourse, they can challenge their own beliefs, broaden their perspectives and ultimately contribute to a more peaceful and tolerant society.
It is also essential for educators and leaders on college campuses to create a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions without fear of judgment or reprisal. Encouraging empathy and understanding toward those with different views can foster a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.
I hope those leaders will take seriously the lessons they learned in the last tumultuous months.
While it may be challenging for young people to agree to disagree on such sensitive and complex issues as the Gaza war, it is essential for building a future where conflicts can be resolved through peaceful means rather than violence.
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By encouraging open dialogue and mutual respect, we can empower the next generation to tackle conflict with empathy, compassion and a commitment to finding peaceful solutions.
I will forever remain in debt to Mother America for freeing me from the chains of prejudices and hatred tied by a myopic military dictator on a college campus.
Let us celebrate, cherish and protect the American values of freedom of speech and tolerance of opposing views with respect and thoughtfulness.
Dr. Muhammad Babar is a Pakistani American physician from Louisville, Kentucky. He is president of Muslim Americans for Compassion and Doctors for Healthy Communities.
There was no free speech at my college. Peaceful protest is precious.
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20.05.2024
College campuses across America have been through turmoil with student protests due to ongoing conflict in Gaza that has resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives in response to a brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. Hundreds of students and faculty members have been arrested and detained.
I attended school and college in my land of birth, Pakistan, under the rule of Gen. Mohammed Zia-ul Haq, who choked the opposing voices and even thought processes with the brutal force of state apparatuses, especially on college campuses.
The religious and patriotic furor was utilized as a tool to justify the onslaught on freedom of speech and the peaceful right to protest. It weakened the voices of reason and strengthened the minority of extremists who, in a matter of a couple of decades, destroyed the fabric of society.
School and college campuses that were supposed to be nurseries of critical thinking were heavily censored by Gen. Zia, who banned student unions and political clubs. Police and military forces were often deployed on the campuses to suppress the progressive thought processes and dissent among students and teachers on the campuses. It was an atmosphere of fear........
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