If we’re all about free speech and opposed to ‘cancel culture,’ then it has to go both ways – Iowa City Press-Citizen

James Dreier, Guest Columnist Published 5:00 a.m. CT March 22, 2021

I read with interest Rep. Holly Brinks opinion piece, "University of Iowa dean abused his office..." (Feb. 27, 2021). Her claims regarding Critical Race Theoryprompted me to do some brief research about the origins and tenants of the theory and more.

I teach a lecture class at the UI called "Jazz Cultures in America and Abroad" and we look at American history and culture in the U.S. and another country from "abroad" (Brazil this year) through the lens of the regional development of jazz. Since we discuss issues of race, gender, history and culture, I tell my students early on:

When writing papers, I ask them to support any observation or opinion with solid, factual sources.

Rep. Brinks intentional use of phrases like "liberal, elite, professors" is rhetoric that exposes an implicit bias. I am a professor (School of Music), but I actually am critical of some in higher education who can be dogmatic and dismissive of alternative points of view. Although I see this attitude more as an exception than a norm, it should be addressed and confronted. One can make a reasonable argument that this dean was heavy-handed and made poor decisions. I believe in free speech and oppose restrictions, even on those who espouse radical and contrary points of view. People can protest, but ideas should not be "canceled" (with rare exceptions). I believe Rep. Brink and I agree on this. But her argument here leaves me with more questions than answers.

More: Fact check: Did University of Iowa dental students 'abandon' their patients to protest earlier this year?

Rep. Brink equates CRT as "Marxist." As a student of history (according to her bio), Im sure she knows that Marx was concerned and focused on the means of production and the power between workers and the ruling class. His mid-19th century writings were a building block in the push towardan inevitable (in his mind) revolution to change this power structure. Very little about racial issues in his writing that I can see. How is CRT Marxist? Can this claim be backed up?

If we are all about free speech and against "cancel culture," then it has to work both ways. Why cloak theories in false narratives and use inflammatory language? Why try and hide this theory (and other social/historical perspectives) from critical study and review? Why not object on legitimate grounds, with informed ideas and accurate historical perspective from all points of view? This I ask of my students. Should we not expect the same from our taxpayer-funded Iowa elected officials?

James Dreier lives in Iowa City.

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If we're all about free speech and opposed to 'cancel culture,' then it has to go both ways - Iowa City Press-Citizen