Schoolcraft responds to criticism over showing of film in class

Published: 3/8/2012

In response to criticism over the showing of the film "The Third Jihad," Schoolcraft College has upheld its instructors' discretion to select course materials for the classes they teach.

The documentary film was shown once in the fall semester and once in the winter semester, in courses dealing with homeland security and international relations, respectively. The college received one student complaint about the showing of the film. Critics of the film have contacted the college to request that the administration prohibit the showing of the film on campus for any purpose.

The views expressed in the film do not necessarily represent the views of the college or the instructors. In both classes, the film was used as part of a broader discussion about the many different perspectives that people have on terrorism. The instructors emphasized that this film represented one of many possible perspectives.

The exploration of divergent opinions is an essential aspect of the college experience. With this in mind, Schoolcraft puts a high value on free speech and open discussion in the classroom, and will continue to give its instructors discretion in the selection of course materials.

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