A marketplace of ideas, not a monopoly, by Tia Goldenberg, Ottawa Citizen, November 19, 2003 "I have always idealized university and what one could gain from it. My views on university were set. As an institution that seemingly welcomed diverse ideas, post-secondary education appeared to be the ideal place for me. When I began studying at Carleton University three years ago, I yearned for a marketplace of ideas. I wanted to pick and choose from different fields of study and learn various political viewpoints. I was a naive 18-year-old then. I didn't know enough to align myself with a political wing. And while I thought I was learning all viewpoints in university, I realized recently I was wrong. Unknowingly, through my classes and Carleton's student environs, I was being led, as if on an invisible leash, to the left wing of the political spectrum. This seems to be the trend at Carleton, and possibly at other universities. I know I don't stand alone -- students are being forced to choose a side and if it's anywhere but left, it's wrong. I respect the views of those who do consider themselves left-leaning or left-wing. Most of my friends joined the ranks of students protesting the war in Iraq and continue to join those battling for lower tuition fees. I get angry, however, when I see professors impose their views on students, and students who follow their lead because it seems to be the popular thing to do. I'm completing a double major in journalism and human rights. Most, if not all the students (and likewise professors) in the latter program lean to the left, as is to be expected. Earlier this semester, my political science class discussed U.S. foreign policy. After endless points bashing U.S. President George W. Bush and the U.S. occupation of Iraq, I spoke up. I spoke up as a supporter of the United States. I spoke up for a country that supports my own -- Israel. I spoke, quite angrily, as a daughter of Israelis, as a sister of a former Israeli soldier and as a relative of dozens of people dodging terrorist attacks. My comments were rejected that day. My legitimate and well-articulated comments were viewed as pro-American and therefore wrong. I could feel animosity in the voices of those countering my argument, as I feel from others when I walk around campus. Am I the enemy for having differing views? ... Tia Goldenberg worked as an intern at CJC's National office this past summer and is a third-year student at Carleton University. Tia was born and raised in Canada but has dual Israeli-Canadian citizenship."