Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, June 13, 2025 76° Today's Paper


Letter: Students protesting Gaza war deserve high praise

NEW YORK TIMES
                                Protesters hold a Palestinian flag as Chancellor Carol Christ speaks on stage at the University of California-Berkeley’s commencement ceremony on May 11.

NEW YORK TIMES

Protesters hold a Palestinian flag as Chancellor Carol Christ speaks on stage at the University of California-Berkeley’s commencement ceremony on May 11.

A letter on May 31 makes a very broad (and alarming) accusation: The root of student protests in the U.S. over the horrifying Israeli military attacks against Palestinians are a result of university faculty using their “academic freedom” to indoctrinate their students (“Protests prompt question of university curiculum,” Star-Advertiser).

I remember well, as a University of Hawaii-Manoa political activist against the Vietnam War in the 1960s and ’70s, how political science professor Oliver Lee was denied tenure for his anti-war views. At that time, a strong student/faculty response forced the university to back down. I remain proud to be part of a student generation that managed this.

These days, when the future of democracy in our country is under real threat, we should applaud this young generation of students who have the courage and integrity to accept the risk of standing up strong for the freedoms and rights of an oppressed people.

Noel Kent

Manoa


EXPRESS YOURSELF

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.

>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.

>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813

>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter Opens in a new tab

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.