The Justice

Bill Ayers, a former member of the Weather Underground who remains controversial to this day, was originally scheduled to come to campus on March 30. This development has been met with skepticism by faculty members and students alike. These critics of Bill Ayers' character argue that Brandeis should not welcome a formerly unrepentant bomber of the Pentagon, the U.S Capitol, and other federal buildings-an individual who seems to appeal only to the most radical of students. Although these criticisms are legitimate, the school should welcome Mr. Ayers to speak and express his views.

Brandeis ought to serve as a forum for all different kinds of perspectives. Even if individuals offer points of view that are deemed radical and unpopular, they should nonetheless feel comfortable expressing them at our academic institution. We celebrate diversity in our student body and faculty; we should also celebrate heterogeneity in what people think.

Preventing Mr. Ayers from coming here would discredit a view held by many members of Brandeis students and faculty. Among those who work at Brandeis and call it their home are individuals whose beliefs represent an entire spectrum of thoughts and philosophies. This vast array of ideas, radical ones included, is what gives our school an intellectual atmosphere. Also, it is one of the most important factors that draws bright students to this corner of the world. Are we to deny someone whose ideas and association with us can only add to this diversity?

Another reason to grant Mr. Ayers this opportunity is that he has many positive virtues that override his seemingly dubious past. Currently, he is a professor of education at the University of Illinois and a leading advocate for education reform. He has also served on the board of directors for the Annenberg Challenge, which raised millions of dollars to improve the quality of Chicago public schools, as well as the Woods Fund, a philanthropic organization devoted to fighting poverty. The city of Chicago bestowed its Citizen of the Year award upon Ayers in 1997 for these admirable efforts.

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