Today is a soothing day. I walked on Campus and a squirrel played hide-and-seek with me. The campus was quiet. Wildlife is bold among us humans as they see a lot of us in University confines. We are one of the animals. I thought of the sacred beauty of academic freedom. Freedom of speech in its purest form. Knowledge is advanced through the open doors of the Academy. Any attempt to stifle this promised freedom is an abomination. If we want our education to be more than just a credential, we must have divergent opinions. The sublime dignity of education in opening up human potential and thought is paramount.

When I first came to University, I was amazed at the diversity. Everyone is learning and living together. Hope was in abundance as we broke bread around the table. No authoritarian figures, but people hungry for understanding. Knowledge is its own reward. I soon realized that my life had been cloistered. There was a giant world that I had not availed myself of. I was honored to sit in the presence of people different than me. I was humbled to be accepted. An African student told me that the international students wanted to work with me because I had no prejudice. This high commendation has stuck with me for nearly 50 years.

Living and working together is nirvana. Too often, we seek just the opposite of what makes us happy. The university has a wide open door of acceptance. Not the faux acceptance of the Doctrinaire or the Authoritarian, but the real acceptance of all who enter here is welcome. Peace comes for a purpose that is greater than I. Hope ensues from love. Love is a universal language.

There is peace at the University in its purest form. Yes, dissent happens and is welcome and not verboten. Marching in lock step with an authoritarian leader is something to be afraid of. History has shown that first the Leader goes after the agreed upon enemies, and once they are brought under control, the Leader goes after his own followers. The mystery riddle of Authoritarian Leadership is simple in that it is always about what is best for the Leader…