TO THE EDITOR:
As much as I respect and uphold the right of all students and outside speakers to freely express their views on this campus, I fully reject the claims made by David Horowitz on April 13 that suggested that the UNC Muslim Students’ Association and UNC Students for Justice in Palestine are connected to terrorist organizations. These accusations are harmful not only to members of these organizations but also to our community as a whole.
These student groups are an invaluable part of our Carolina community. The programs and events that they organize, such as the “Passion in Practice: Muslims of the Carolinas” exhibition, play a vital role in countering Islamophobia and encouraging inter-faith dialogue on our campus. I encourage everyone to visit the exhibition in the Student Union gallery before the end of the semester.
While it is important that differing views and perspectives are represented on this campus, we must be mindful that malicious words can cause serious harm to others.
I hope that all students and student leaders will join me in dismissing such divisive claims. Only then can we turn our focus back to building a safe and inclusive community for all students. Let us recognize the progress that our own student organizations have already made toward this goal.
Houston Summers
Student Body President
