Speaks out

Is it right for professors to make a united stance against war?
Is it relevant, especially now that war is coming to a close?
Armhawan Darsone

First-year, business economics

“I really don’t think professors should offer an
opinion on war because they have a direct influence on their
students, and they could possibly steer students’ opinions,
which I don’t think is appropriate. Professors need to keep
their opinions until the war is completely over, because we are
still in the final stages of war, and they still can have an
impact.” Julieta Mendez

First-year, biology

“I think the professors have a right to voice their
opinions on war, but they don’t have the right to push their
views on students or to persuade our stance. Any time you choose to
make a stance, it matters. There are a lot of protests going on,
and even though war is pretty much over now, it still has an effect
on people, even the soldiers.” Uzma Farmanali

First-year, biochemistry

“It is fine that the professors voiced their united
opinion on war, even when the war is coming to a close, just so
they can have their opinions out there, because the government
could possibly take into account what the people want. As long as
students aren’t affected by the opinions of their
professors.” Andrew Shi

Third-year, economics

“At this university free ideas are important, and
everyone, even professors, should have the right to express them.
It doesn’t make a difference if opinions are being expressed
now because the war started. Even if it is coming to a close, the
professors still have a right to express their opinions through an
anti-war resolution, and there is no damage done.” Marissa
Guerrero

Fourth-year, political science

“It seems to me the professors have the freedom to take a
stance on war, and they should take the advantage to do so. The war
is over in a sense that we are no longer bombing Iraq, but the war
is not over in a sense that there are political repercussions that
are beginning to play out, and it is just as important to speak out
now.” Zach Aronowitz

First-year, undeclared

“As long as it’s a completely united stance against
war, and there’s not a lot of disagreement, it is their own
right to make a stance as a group. It is interesting to hear what a
large group of educated people has to say about an issue like this,
and I think it’s their right to express that, even if the war
is almost over.” Compiled by KELSEY HICKS/Daily Bruin Senior
Staff, Photos by MIKE CHIEN/Daily Bruin Staff