Dr. Bennie McMorris
Vice_President for Student Affairs
Hampton University
Dear Dr. McMorris:
I understand that Hampton University students face severe disciplinary
action, including possible expulsion, for their participation in the
November 2nd Nation-Wide Student Walkout to protest the war in Iraq and
injustice in the United States. I further understand that some of these
students were booked simply because they looked “suspicious” or were
“cajoling” or “proselytizing.”
Surely a university’s highest mission is to teach intellectual independence
and civic courage. We celebrate those in other epochs who risked their
comfort, freedom, and sometimes their lives for the cause of peace and
justice.
What a travesty it would be if Hampton University punished students who had
the honesty to take those lessons to heart.
Yours truly,
David Keppel
David Keppel
Bloomington, IN
David Keppel is a writer living in Indiana. His letters are frequently published by newspapers such as the New York Times and the Financial Times and he has written op-ed pieces for the Indianapolis Star. A collection of his letters are featured at Traprock’s website.