MCC's administration, by suspending Prof John Bonnell, emphatically says NO!!! Though Prof Bonnell is considered by many whom have taken his class to be a quality instructor with challenging and thought provoking lectures, his use of adult language in front of a class of adults has the administration considering terminating an instructor with 30 years tenure.

Rather than concern themselves with the quality of instruction, they have chosen to censor the language the instruction is given in. Yes, some might find this language inappropriate or offensive, however, they are forewarned at the beginning of each term of his teaching style. This courtesy of Prof Bonnell allows the student to switch class so that none of their sensibilities are offended. This frees them to hear the same offensive language elsewhere.

The question then, should the faculty be shackled with restraints designed to paci~ the politically correct or should they be free to express themselves while performing their duties as educators? You could ask Prof Bonnell his opinion but I'm sure he's been issued a gag order by MCC.

If the administration is allowed to terminate Prof Bonnell a precedent for future policies further inhibiting free speech are sure to follow. Will this pave the way for "offensive" material to be purged from the library at the whim of self~righteous administrators? Will select carnpus clubs be banished because their agenda doesn't conform to subjective standards of how you should think and act? Will you be checked as you arrive to make sure your clothing doesn't offend anyone?

One way to show the administration how utterly asinine this policy is would be to report each and every offensive utterance by your instructor according to your subjective taste, regardless of context. Demand the same policy used against Prof Bonnell be implemented evenhandedly, no exceptions. Professors, turn your students in to the administration for these same offenses, demanding severe disciplinary measures, up to and including expulsion. The handful of students, along with College President Al Lorenzo, can live happily ever after while the rest of us go to a school that hasn't slid into the Dark Ages.
 
 

Call the college to voice your opinions or attend the board of trustees meeting feb. 16 at the john dimitri community center on center campus room k-137 7:00 pm.