Many People Oppose IDS Article on Anti-Semitism

Talia Shifron
To You Editor, Fused

On October 27, 2008, The Indiana Daily Student printed an editorial called “Praise for Anti-Zionism” by columnist Yahya Chaudhry that was seen as anti-Semitic. The article voiced Chaudhry’s opinion that Israel is a racist country and the United States would benefit from denouncing Israel. At the end of the column, he went on to make slurs against Jewish people and Jewish politicians.

Many people thought that because the article was anti-Semitic, it should not have been published in the IDS because a student newspaper should not be spreading the ideas of racism and bigotry. Some people also thought that the faculty advisor to the students should have used this as an opportunity to teach the students how to prevent racism, and not to be spread through the newspaper.

While it is sad that someone would write such an anti-Semitic editorial, the IDS still should have published it because of the rights of freedom of the press and freedom of speech. No person in this country should have to forfeit his or her first amendment rights no matter what. A better response to this article would be for people to respond by disagreeing with the article and stating why it was wrong. It is also an opportunity for teachable moments about the dangers of anti-Semitism and bigotry.

The IDS responded very appropriately with an editors note stating that the point of the article was not to promote anti-Semitism but rather to spark debate among readers. While many people may not agree with this article, the IDS still has every right to publish it. No person should be denied the right to have his or her opinion published just because others do not agree with his or her view. Argument and debate what make a newspaper interesting and keep readers’ attention. No paper should be denied this right including the IDS.