To the editor:

George Will’s opinion (Journal-World, June 20) continues his belief that liberal colleges are narcissistic enclosures encouraging student misbehavior with administrative approval. Using allusions and universal associations, he accuses Oberlin College of being “made stupid and mendacious by politics.” By encompassing all protesting students under this heading Will has rounded more than a few edges. He has lumped all students, faculty and administration into one view. We know from many examples at KU that this is not true. It is false to claim that the activities of a few are the views of the entire school. It is also an assault on free speech, given that higher education encourages free speech and thought. Between the everyday and abstract entities (political affiliations) Will’s bravura exposes his claims to corrections in a world whose multifarious particulars are more complex. This exposes Will to intellectual dishonesty.

Students are fed up with the mendacity, the orgy of lies and crooked, shoddy, institutionalized deals and continuing racism in everyday life. It is surprising that more Oberlin students did not take to the streets. The world outside the academic gates has asked students to enter it with job applications vetted by the FBI, the police, the neighborhood church and pastor. It is no wonder that they are saying “no.” These students are our elite and they are in revolt. Will has missed this. Will, the creative minority and our future leaders have said that they reject your arguments, your values and your morals. To them you are a commercial stereotype.

Stu Nowlin,

Lawrence