FAIR News: The Dangers of Stifling Debate with Senator Ron Johnson
FAIR News
Dear Friends of FAIR,
Recently, John D. Sailer, senior fellow and director of policy at the National Association of Scholars, was deplatformed over an “exchange of ideas.” The event, “Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Medicine and the Sciences,” was supposed to be held at the Medical College of Wisconsin, but MCW president John Raymond rescinded the invitation, claiming that “the exchange of ideas should not disrupt the core functions of a university or jeopardize the safety of our MCW community.” Raymond’s knee-jerk reaction was fueled by the following events:
Students and faculty circulated a petition in the days leading up to president Raymond’s decision. The petition’s authors specifically take issue with Sailer, claiming without evidence, that he has used “discriminatory language.” They argue that he should not be allowed to speak because of his “opposition to” and “focus on denouncing DEI initiatives.”
FAIR supports respectful disagreement and believes that bad ideas are best confronted with better ideas—never with deplatforming. Universities should be a place where vigorous debate is encouraged. We strongly disagree with president Raymond’s decision to cancel the event due to pressures from students who don’t see the value in engaging with ideas they may disagree with.
FAIR is excited to host Senator Johnson and provide our community with the ability to listen to and ask questions of a leading U.S. legislator. FAIR is a non-partisan organization, and a core part of our mission is to foster conversation and hear from diverse perspectives. We look forward to hosting events and building bridges with politicians and policy makers from all political persuasions over the coming months and years.
Join us on June 12th from 3 - 4:30pm EST for this conversation between John D. Sailer and Senator Ron Johnson about the dangers of stifling debate. Register free here.
Warmly,
The Team at the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism
FAIR is hiring!
FAIR is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join our team. We’re looking for a team player, an active problem-solver, and someone who is open to new ideas. A successful candidate can provide both strategic and operational support to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with other Directors to ensure coordinated management across the FAIR’s functional areas. You can find the full job description here.
This is a full-time remote position with full health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
The Book Rescuer by Sue Macy Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
Aaron Lansky, inspired by his grandmother’s stories, set out on a quest to save the world’s Yiddish books. This moving work of nonfiction shows how one determined person can help preserve a language and a culture.
FAIR’s literature guides emphasize pro-human values and support literacy development. Designed for use with elementary-age students, each guide features a high-quality picture book, with discussion questions and activities aligned with FAIR’s Pro-Human Learning Standards.
FAIR Series: Educational Philosophy
Please join us on Tuesday, June 6th and 20th from 5 - 6PM EST for a two-part FAIR Education Series discussion of educational philosophy and how it drives disagreements over contentious issues such as culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional learning, standardized testing, and how to teach topics like race, sex, gender, and justice. We will explore how differing assumptions about the purpose of schooling lead to holding strong positions on such issues. In session 1 we’ll learn the four basic philosophical positions. In session 2 we will explore how they inform the issues. The sessions will help parents better articulate their own educational priorities while engaging more sympathetically with those whose priorities differ.
Pro-Human Movement / Interview with Daryl Davis and music of Naqshon's Leap
Sponsored by FAIR and The Bridge Institute, join us Sunday, June 11th from 3-5pm EST at the Universal Language Room at Harris Hall at the University of Memphis for an afternoon hosted by Shoshana Yaffe Cenker and Felicia Peat of WKNO featuring an interview with FAIR Advisor Daryl Davis.
Come to see and hear about the unlimited benefit and power of open dialogue, the incredible mission of Daryl Davis, a dynamic experience of the Universal Language Room, and the music of Naqshon's Leap. We will celebrate One God, One Human Family and the Divine, unique soul of every individual human.
Local Community Debate - Braver Angels Debate: Academic Freedom
Minnesota Braver Angels and FAIR believe a structured conversation in which all views are treated with dignity and respect is needed to explore the various nuances and complexities involved in finding a balance between the principles of Academic Freedom that rely on freedom of expression and the often conflicting values and beliefs of some members of Institutions of Higher Education.
FAIR is partnering with the Minnesota State Braver Angels to debate the concept of Academic Freedom! Come join us Tuesday, June 13th from 8 - 10pm EST for this free debate in which all participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their questions, tell us what you have experienced, and what you think.
FAIR LA Webinar: Finding the Courage to Stand Up
Join the Los Angeles Chapter of FAIR on Wednesday June 14th from 7 - 8:30PM PDT an online webinar on Finding the Courage to Stand Up. This webinar is offered for FAIR California members and anyone interested in attending.
FAIR Twin Cities June Meeting
Join FAIR’s Twin Cities chapter for their June Meeting! At 9:30am EST on June 24th they will celebrate their second "birthday" with special treats and a great program. Hear updates on the newly launched Minnesota FAIR in Medicine concerning illiberal changes to K12 from the legislative session and impressive pockets of local energy for upcoming fall school board elections.
The event will feature a pro-human training on "How To Have Difficult Conversations" to set the stage for great pro-human conversations throughout your summer.
Does Implicit Bias Training Help Anyone? With Dr. Chris Ferguson
Watch FAIR in Medicine’s webinar about The Implicit Association Test.
DEI Trends in Education: What’s Happening & How To Respond
What are DEI programs in education intended to achieve? Are they making a positive impact, or are they causing more harm than good? For this webinar, FAIR brought together three panelists who have extensive experience with DEI in educational settings.
FAIR News Podcast
For audio versions of our FAIR News and FAIR Weekly Roundup newsletters, subscribe and listen to FAIR News Weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or via RSS feed.
Join the Pro-Human Movement With FAIR Merch!
FAIR Educators Alliance & Other Networks
Connect with other pro-human educators through the FAIR Educators Alliance. We bring together educators from all levels to share experiences and work on developing resources that can support teachers, community members, and FAIR chapters.
The FAIR Educators Alliance hosts an informal, virtual happy hour every other Thursday evening with occasional speakers and presentations.
FAIR also offers a group for Librarians and Library staff that meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm EDT.
Teachers, administrators, librarians, and educators of all kinds are welcome. For more information and to join any of these networks, please email educators@fairforall.org.
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I have a serious question. Regarding the Ron Johnson FAIR article in the opening, it uses the acronym EDI. If someone opposes EDI policies, why so often does this opponent agree to EDI proponent framing by agreeing to use the acronym EDI? (and not DIE , which is a nice way and shortcut to express the toxic nature of EDI policy). I am not a troll, and I would really like to see more people call it DIE.
Where do I submit an article for possible publication? Thank you.