By Dan Bollinger
LOGANVILLE, Ga. | With all the controversy swirling around university campuses these days, I have been struck by the current concerns. You see, I returned to the University of Missouri in June of 1971 following a four-year stint in the Air Force. I was met by anti-war protestors, and treated with disdain by many fellow students because I was a veteran.
Bollinger
When I signed on to the Young Democrats on campus, I was really ostracized as a veteran, and the fact I would not sign on to being part of the anti-Vietnam crowd. I had some very personal reasons for not wanting to demonstrate being part of any antiwar efforts at the time, all tied to my loyalty to this nation and the oath I took, and respect for those who served in Vietnam.
I worked hard for the next 18 months, and with the GI bill, a part time job, and a very supportive school-teacher wife, qualified to graduate in December of 1972.
After determining I had indeed met all the requirements for my Bachelor of Arts, I inquired when and how the commencement for December graduates was going to take place. I was rudely informed there would be no commencement nor any recognition. I was not sure why, but it was just one more slap in my face.
I really did not think much about it at the time, although my parents were very disappointed, since they would not see me in a cap and gown presented with my diploma. I was never given a good reason for not having a commencement. If I remember correctly, the University would send me my diploma in the mail, if I would pay $10. Oh, and I could come back to Columbia and march in June when there would be a ceremony.
I said all the above and now to come to the craziness happening on our campuses in this spring of 2024. Parallels are interesting: two wars, with passionate opposition from four different fronts; a can’t-win situation for our political leadership; accusations of racism’ and everyone has an opinion.
University administrations, including their boards, are not willing to make difficult decisions. Today’s graduates will be forever marred. Many never had a commencement ceremony from their secondary education experience, and now will be denied recognition for further efforts.
It is just wrong. Plain and simply wrong. Many will not care, but many will, and their family and friends deserve better as well.
The actions of a few are supporting a terrorist group who committed an atrocious crime on October 7. Make no mistake, Hamas committed a crime, and the Palestinians in Gaza allowed and supported those crimes. Are we going to allow time honored traditions recognizing those who have worked hard and long been destroyed in support of criminals?
I say an emphatic no!
We should not accede to the demands of a few. Secure the facilities, arrest those who refuse to obey the law, and give due recognition to those who deserve it, not those who choose to infringe on the rights of others. Free speech does not mean violence and lawlessness.
- Have a comment? Send to: ebrack2@gmail.com.
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