UNMIA

Editorial by Lynn Provencio

UNM’s current vision statement does not contain the left-wing buzzwords cited in the article below, but “social justice” teaching is a strong undertow in several UNM departments. Each year there are several courses across the campus that give credit for “community organizing” and “social justice” of various flavors.

Is any credit given for right wing organizing? Has anybody ever gotten course credits for campaigning for Republicans, spending the weekend volunteering with the Minute Men, attending an AIPAC conference or lobbying for offshore drilling? Why not? Chances are the very thought made you laugh. But seriously, objectively, analytically: In what way is it better to go to Central America and teach local people how to be political activists than it is to show local young women practical alternatives to abortion for unwanted pregancies, for example? Is campaigning for the Democratic candidate more academically desirable than campaigning for the Republican candidate? What if a UNM climatologist wrote a professional paper showing that global warming, as described by the UN and Al Gore, were not true? What would be the results for his career at UNM? Good, bad, no effect?

Social Justice at face value is a good thing, of course, …

These video clips were taken as things were winding down, but it’s enough to give you an idea of what the joint UNMIA-StandWithUs-Hillel celebration was like–it was great. Thanks to all who came by!

On Thursday, May 8, from 12 - 1 pm
the UNM Israel Alliance and StandWithUs will be having a special celebration on campus for Israel’s 60th Anniversary!
Stop by our booth at the Student Union Building Plaza and listen to live Israeli music — and dance to Klezmer!
Michele Diel of Nahalat Shalom will be leading the dancing, and Cantor Finn Congregation Albert will be providing the live music!
FREE FOOD AND DRINKS!
Take a little break from your studies and worries, and stop by for some lunch and music!

Recording of Ben Gurion’s announcement of the founding of the State of Israel with scenes from the time (Hebrew). English Text

We’ll be meeting on the 2nd floor patio at the Student Union building at 1:30 this week, instead of Einstein’s!