Universities Shouldn’t Punish Their Students for Pro Palestinian Protests
John Doe, PDM-owner, via Wikimedia Commons
INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.
Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, interviewed filmmaker Warren D. Robinson (image below).
Controversy has arisen on college campuses as many pro Palestinian demonstrations from students have taken place, many of which have been deemed anti-Semitic. Now donors, rich alumni and even staff are demanding that Universities release the names of any participating students so they can take action and punish these students for their seemingly anti-Sematic statements. “Universities must walk a thin line to make sure they are not censoring the free speech rights of their students”, says entertainment executive, producer and attorney Warren D. Robinson. “They must balance those free speech rights, with concern for donors and ensuring Jewish students feel safe on campus. So it’s a tough spot to be in.” Robinson says he is against schools releasing the names of students involved in the protest even if he disagrees with their message. “I understand that being pro Palestinian doesn’t necessary mean you are pro Hamas or support the violence that Hamas has inflicted on Israel recently; However, when you just release a cache of names that level of nuance will be ignored and a number of students will be swept into the anti-Semitic category when in reality they likely are not.” Robinson continues, “I do feel that now is not the time to promote a pro-Palestinian message because of how it can be misconstrued by those who do support Hamas. If you are going to promote such a message then you should make it clear and unequivocal that you are not supporting Hamas or violence toward Jews. Nonetheless, it is not the job of school officials to shame its own students and set them up for punishment simply for having unpopular opinions, no matter how atrocious. That slope is simply too slippery and if implemented will no doubt be weaponized against conservative viewpoints disproportionately in the future.” Instead Robinson believes the market will work it out on its own. “If employer’s come across those statements or activities and determine they violate the values of that company, so be it, but it shouldn’t come at the hand of school officials.”
According to a statement, “Entertainment executive and producer, Warren D. Robinson believes that when organizations are willing to have open and honest conversations about race and their own bias they can commit to meaningful change. We have seen this recently in the form of Hollywood award shows, particularly, the Grammys and the Academy Awards (Oscars). The Recording Academy and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have both taken concrete steps to diversify their ranks and address inherit biases in their voting processes. As a result we have the most diverse crop of award winners/nominees, respectively, we’ve ever seen. Contrast that with the scandal and production shutdown currently at CBS’s The Talk, which resulted because a co-host was unable to properly engage in a conversation about race, address her own bias and commit to doing better. ‘The key part to every conversation’ Warren says, ‘starts with listening. Listening and hearing are different and if you are unable to listen then you are unable to have a conversation.’
“Warren D. Robinson, is an avid and accomplished entertainment executive, motivational speaker, host, life coach and award winning producer who created the wildly popular series, Buried by the Bernards, which is currently streaming on Netflix.
“Warren has served as an entertainment consultant, manager and producer, facilitating, appearing and negotiating high powered deals on behalf of his clients in front of such companies as: Warner Brothers, BET, CNN, Freemantle, Best Buy, TV ONE, Netflix, Lifetime, Fox News, WE TV, E!, NBC Universal, Viacom and more. In addition, Warren’s entertainment prowess includes coordinating, partnering and/or producing events for: legendary actress Pam Grier, Taraji P Henson, Gabrielle Union, Vivica A Fox, Soul singer Eddie Levert (of the O’Jays), Comedian Mike Epps, Angie Stone, Flavor Flav, the Indianapolis Colts, Donna Joyner-Richardson, Stephanie Mills, Erykah Badu and Tom Joyner among others. Warren graduated from Indiana University (B.A.-Political Science) and Howard University School Of Law (J.D.).”
Learn more about Warren D. Robinson and his work here.
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LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW IN ITS ENTIRETY HERE
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