Editor, The Auburn Plainsman
I am writing in response to the letter to the editor titled "Obama, Muslims, media not to be trusted: look here for proof" that was published in your Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 edition of The Plainsman.
It is my hope that the letter writer's tongue-in-cheek attempt at political satire is not representative of the views of Auburn faculty, students and staff.
Auburn University has done a wonderful job of encouraging global exploration and promoting dialogue and understanding about the world around us. This is evidenced through the increased focus on global initiatives, including increased travel, research and service abroad.
Projects like "Auburn Connects!," (auburn.edu/academic/provost/auburnconnects/), featuring the Common Book "Three Cups of Tea" and a wide variety of programming related to the people and the region that the book represents, are additional examples of the University's commitment to raising global awareness.
Places like the Multicultural Center, Office of International Education, Auburn Abroad, International Student Services and many more efforts are visible reminders of this commitment to global understanding.
I encourage our campus community to take advantage of these resources, visit these offices and reach out to your neighbors, as we all attempt to embody the Auburn Creed, particularly the lines that state, "I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men (and women) and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all."
If the Auburn community continues to embrace this perspective, then I highly doubt that the writer of last week's letter is representative of our students, staff and faculty.
Thank you to "The Plainsman" staff for having the courage to share multiple perspectives and sparking debate.
I encourage you all to get out on campus and beyond and engage your fellow global citizens and experience all of the diversity that the world has to offer.
The Multicultural Center is located in Suite 1330 of the Auburn University Student Center and hosts a number of programs representing multiple forms of diversity throughout the year.
Please stop by or visit us on the Web at www.auburn.edu/mcc.
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