The Tulane University community has experienced The New Orleans Book Festival by reading new books and listening to different speakers. However, due to the unrest which arose from protests over the Israel-Hamas war and Tulane’s elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion, the university had to brace for the continuation of unlawful and disrespectful demonstrations. As legitimate as the anger and frustration is, protesting through unlawful demonstrations and disruptions undermines the cause, garnering even more negative sentiments.
As the free exchange of ideas is integral to any higher education community, Book Fest should not be a platform for protest. Book Fest is intended to be an intellectual haven where diverse ideas are discussed and exchanged openly in a time of suppression. Thus, speakers and attendees should be respected and not have hatred-filled advocacy ruin the event.
It is true that without creating a major scene, causes can go unheard. However, the more disruptive a demonstration is, the more negatively the cause will be perceived by neutral observers, especially if the normal course of action was impeded by protest. If the goal is to raise awareness and push people towards a side, then creating resentment accomplishes the opposite.
At Book Fest, a disruptive and disrespectful protest goes against freedom of expression. Since the idea of intellectual freedom is critical to a free society, disrupting a presentation through the act of protesting is inherently undemocratic. If protestors are truly concerned about the rise of fascism and the suppression of ideas, they would stand by their principles and respect an event dedicated to upholding democracy.
In this current hyperpolarized state of politics, hatred and arrogance seem to reign supreme. Feelings of moral superiority drive the lack of tolerance and understanding on both sides. Without events and conferences such as Book Fest, where productive discussion on relevant issues is accessible and free of judgment, there would be less common ground for citizens to draw upon.
To take a step back from rising extremism that seems to have captured America’s political institutions, the first step is basic respect for opposing views and setting aside biases to hear each other speak. Only then can constructive dialogue occur, where individuals are viewed as fellows rather than opponents.
Despite how upset people may be at Tulane or the current presidential administration, taking out anger on neutral events such as Book Fest or the free exchange of ideas is inappropriate and undemocratic. The only way advocacy can proceed is if all voices are free to speak without suppression and unjustified bias. Let Book Fest be thoughtful and intellectual, not political and adversarial.
