Harvard University has apologised for the distribution of Christmas placemats that instructed students to repeat progressive-left talking points following reports from Breitbart Tech and Campus Reform.
The placemats, entitled “Holiday Placemats for Social Justice” instructed students to use standardised responses in debate with their families about four controversial issues: Syrian refugees, race relations and the police, black activism on campus, and the recent removal of the title of “House Master” at Harvard.
The placemats were distributed in an undergraduate dining hall by Harvard’s Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Harvard University has now apologised for the placemats, acknowledging that they “failed to account for the many viewpoints that exist on our campus.” The statement explained that Harvard’s goal was to “provide a framework for [students] to engage in conversations with peers and family members … however, it was not effectively presented and caused confusion in our community.”
The statement goes on to offer “sincere apologies,” stressing the importance of academic freedom to Harvard College. It also acknowledged the problem of feeding students one-sided talking points: “To suggest that there is only one point of view on each of these issues runs counter to our educational goals… Moving forward we will, with your continued input, support the growth and the development of independent minds.”
It’s a rare defeat for the campus crazies, who in recent months have pressured colleges up and down North America to capitulate or compromise on issues ranging from diversity quotas to the removal of Woodrow Wilson’s name from college buildings at Princeton. Faculty members are also terrified of the campus crazies, who have pressured multiple senior officials to resign at a number of campuses, including Mizzou and Claremont McKenna.
Harvard’s apology was signed by the Dean of Freshmen, Thomas Dingman, and the Dean of Student Life, Stephen Lassonde. They are now at personal risk of a backlash, although with the Christmas holidays already upon us, there is little the campus crazies can do. Perhaps it’s a lesson for other faculties and administrations: to defy the radicals, wait for the holidays.
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