“Practicing education is like practicing democracy—both are collaborative, experimental paths of improvement, both depend on inclusion rather than segregation. And both are now very much endangered. If we don’t defend education and protect democracy we will lose them as vital parts of our American heritage. Beware of those who are afraid of those experiments; stand up against those who fear fluidity, who ban books, who are frightened by diversity, free expression, and creative transformation. Pay attention to and learn from those whose views are different from your own, especially when they are suffering. Paying attention is the foundation for education as the practice of freedom, helping us build new communities.”
See the full Wesleyan University commencement address.
Wesleyan University was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President Michael Roth.
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