Typically, universities and colleges provide the opportunity and context to encounter, examine and encourage diverse views and positions on any given issue or subject. Differences, no matter how strong, may be expressed, so long as they are well supported, evenhanded and civil.

In its editorial capacity, The Daily Orange has the opportunity to demonstrate responsible journalism. It failed to do that, though, by publishing incendiary advertisements, such as the one titled Arabian Fables (II) in the Aug. 30 issue.

If the editorial objective is to accommodate any opinion, no matter how offensive and questionable, then attempts should be made to invite opposing viewpoints and responses so that readers themselves can exercise their judgment and come to their own conclusion.

Tazim Kassam

Professor in the religion department