As a Virginia resident and taxpayer, I am very upset at news reports about some University professors asking the college president to stop quoting Jefferson. This shows the clear lack of education with these so-called "professional academia” and also shows that they have absolutely no "tolerance" of anyone who they find "offensive." This is childish behavior by people who are getting paid by the taxpayers to educate students and not indoctrinate them with their own personal beliefs.
Despite any shortcomings of Thomas Jefferson, his brilliance as main author of the Declaration of Independence and contributions to liberty is the reason why such small-minded people like these professors can raise objections to Jefferson. Jefferson was not perfect, and neither is anyone else. He was also a product of his culture at the time, and slavery was part of that culture. The United States would eventually outlaw slavery, but it should be noted that slavery is still very active today in parts of Africa and Asia. If you take the logic of this group of intolerant professors, the University would have to stop all teaching about the Ancient Egyptians since they enslaved all the Jews. The University could also not do any teaching about some parts of modern day Africa where slavery is still practiced.
This whole "tolerance" movement that has been going on in America over the last decade is not tolerance at all. Those who preach tolerance are only tolerant if you agree with them about their beliefs. If you don't agree with them, you are the intolerant one. This idea that just because you find something offensive it must be offensive to everyone is ridiculous. I am tired of people being offended at every little thing. I am offended they are offended, if that makes any sense at all. Tolerance for one another's beliefs and opinions were and are the overwhelming themes of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. It seems that maybe the University has forgotten to teach that part of history and civics to its students.
President Sullivan, keep on quoting Thomas Jefferson. His words of wisdom far outweigh his shortcomings. His significance to the University and America are why we exist as a free nation today. Don't let poorly educated professors and intolerant people destroy a great University. You have the right and privilege to state what you want, even if it comes from the founder of the University.
Sincerely,
Eric Thompson
Bedford, VA
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