Ben Levinn’s editorial in the August 27 Poly called for the resignation of Provost Robert Palazzo. The editorial was pointed, well-written and brave. Does Levinn think that freedom of the press extends to a student newspaper? The Poly is more widely distributed than e-mails sent between faculty members, and the administration may choose to censor The Poly just as it has chosen to censor faculty e-mails. The censorship was not imposed as a prior restraint, but as a “whack.” Professor Don Steiner was suddenly whacked by an HR manager who suspended his e-mail access. Perhaps The Poly and its editor in chief have now stepped over some line drawn by the administration. Is the whack coming?

As suggested by Levinn, words like “slander,” “libel,” and “defamation” are frequently misused. If communications alleged to be defamatory are essentially true, there is no defamation. Truth is an absolute defense. Levinn and I think that Steiner’s statements pass the test of truthfulness. People have also argued that President Shirley Ann Jackson and Palazzo are public figures and are thus afforded even less protection against defamation. Regardless, they are paid large enough salaries to tolerate some verbal abuse. They should not need, seek, or accept the protection of the vice president of Human Resources. As stated by Levinn, Steiner’s e-mail access should be restored and he should be given an apology.

Terms like “unprofessional conduct,” “harassment,” and “failure to respect diversity” are increasingly used by RPI administrators. These words frighten. Allegations of such behavior are extremely dangerous, as there are no clear definitions and there is no clear defense, like the truthfulness defense against allegations of defamation. I feel harassed and disrespected by the administration. Their actions have been hurtful. Should I file a complaint?

Last year, The Poly printed a letter from me that said “We live in tyranny.” Is there any doubt? Is the mere asking of this question harassment of someone who chooses to take offense? The concept that dissent is expected but must be constrained by (blah, blah, blah, don’t irritate me) is a denial of free speech. Vice President for Strategic Relations and External Relations William Walker is quoted as saying, “University administrators, students, and faculty are protected from harassment for expressing their own ideas.” Note the order in which the protectees are listed. Evidently Steiner’s ideas were less protected than those of the administration. Students, please Google “1984,” “Orwell,” “doublethink,” and “doublespeak.”

Bruce Nauman