Commend the University of Washington
Reader comment on item: Radical Islam vs. Academic Freedom: One Example

Submitted by Vince Allen (United States), Apr 29, 2002

The University of Washington should be commended for its courage to stand-up against those who wish to control the free exchange of ideas, and Mr. Pipes should be applauded for his unwavering stance against militant Islam. While a student at the University of Pittsburgh back in the eighties, I attended a lecture by Louis Farrakhan, and while I disagreed with his characterizations of Christianity and Judaism, I fervently supported his right to express his views and allow free thinking people the ability to form their own opinions.

Only when ideas are exposed to the light of day can we reflect and consider them for ourselves. What happened in Seattle and the attempts of radical Muslims to disrupt Mr. Pipes’ lecture only go to demonstrate the hierocracies of militant Islam. I have read and enjoyed Mr. Pipes articles since the dark days of September 11, and at no time found his writings racist or totalitarian (unlike the ideals espoused by militant Islamists). Thank you Mr. Pipes.

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