This past week, I found myself deep in thought, reflecting on the state of higher education, reflecting on the state of discourse in our country. From a ceremony remembering those whose lives were lost on 9/11, to screening the October 8 film with a large group of students, to the killing of Charlie Kirk, to attempted swatting attacks on HBCUs and other colleges and universities including Lehigh, all in just a few days, there has been a lot to contemplate.
I have watched the national rhetoric continue to escalate and focus on blaming one side or another for the violence, for all that is wrong in the world.
If we only surround ourselves with those who share our views, convinced we are right and unwilling to consider other perspectives, what do we accomplish?
We certainly aren’t learning. And we aren’t persuading the other side.
The past few days, I have heard stories of students who appreciated some of what Charlie Kirk had to say, felt uncomfortable saying that openly, worried that they would be labeled and shut down.
The past few days, I have heard stories of students who felt othered, targeted or harmed by some of what Charlie Kirk had to say, felt uncomfortable saying that openly, worried that they would be labeled and shut down.
We have a choice.
As I said to the Class of 2029 at Convocation just a few weeks ago, we are part of what is likely the most diverse community any of us will ever experience. Diverse racially. Ethnically. Socioeconomically. Religiously. Politically. In gender, sexuality, geography, identity.
We can embrace these differences and seek to understand different views, as a true community of learners.
Or we can surround ourselves only with those who think alike, dismissing or demonizing anyone who thinks differently.
This is a moment where the world is looking for places of optimism and hope, places that rise above and remind us of the best of human nature. Places that say loudly and clearly that we are not lost. That we can debate passionately but humanely. That violence and hate have no place. That we can be that place where each and every person can know, to their core, that they belong.
I am asking each of us to think about what it means to lead with curiosity. To pause for a moment, and listen, truly listen. To ask why someone believes what they believe, or feels the way they do.
To avoid labeling. To give a person with opposing views a chance to be listened to, respectfully. And maybe, just maybe, to find they will do the same for you.
Let us do the hard work and lead with curiosity, empathy and respect. That is what it takes to begin to build understanding.
That is the Lehigh I ask us to be.
Joseph J. Helble '82
President
