Chancellor's letter to American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee regarding David Horowitz visit

October 19, 2007

Hon. Mary Rose Oakar, President
Kareem Shora, LL.M, JD, National Executive Director
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
1732 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007

Dear President Oakar and Executive Director Shora:

I am writing in response to your recent correspondence concerning the “Islamo-Fascist Awareness Week” campaign directed by David Horowitz at universities across the country later this month. As you are aware, UW-Madison is one of the campuses that has a student organization sponsoring a related event, including plans for a Monday, October 22, lecture by Mr. Horowitz at the Memorial Union.

While I am sympathetic to your concerns about the inflammatory tone of this campaign, I want to assure you that this university – from its faculty and leadership to its students – is a place that values its diversity and stands up to intolerance and bigotry. We also have a strong commitment to academic freedom and First Amendment rights, and a belief that, in an open marketplace of ideas, the strongest ideas will be embraced and fraudulent ideas will be exposed.

In recent years, UW-Madison has been the site of several guest lectures — from both the far left and far right of the political spectrum — that have sparked outrage and calls for their cancellation. In each case, we have stood firm in allowing the events to occur, while taking steps to provide a secure environment for students and an opportunity for opposing voices to be heard. UW-Madison in no way endorses these viewpoints — and is not endorsing the views of Mr. Horowitz and his organization – but is providing an environment where the widest variety of views can be aired. This is a critical role that college campuses play in society.

I want to assure you that we share the values of tolerance and understanding your organization stands for. We will work steadfastly to maintain a safe and tolerant environment and protect the rights of all students on this campus.

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us.

Sincerely,

John D. Wiley
Chancellor