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Excerpt:
The following is from the Jan. 19, 2007, edition of
The Dallas Morning News.
OPINION: Editorials
A Place for Debate: Bush library fits
squarely into SMU's mission
It would seem that the Southern Methodist University
professors opposed to sharing campus space with a George
W. Bush presidential library haven't brushed up on the
school's mission statement.
They should. We believe they would see that the honor
and prestige of this partnership would only enhance the
school's educational purpose.
And we suggest that the Methodist ministers who are
behind a national petition drive asking SMU to stop
negotiating for the library read the statement as well.
Certainly, a Bush library, museum and policy
institute would "create and impart knowledge that will
shape citizens." How could it not add to the
university's desire to be a "leading private institution
of higher learning that expands knowledge through
research and teaching"?
Most importantly, it would reinforce that SMU is
"dedicated to the values of academic freedom and open
inquiry."
Look closely at those six goals underpinning the
mission. University President Gerald Turner certainly
has.
Instead of dismissing opposition, he has addressed
concerns, point by point. He reiterated calmly but
firmly that SMU hosting a Bush library was good for the
university, the city and the region.
Certainly, we encourage SMU professors and anyone
else – from the right, left or somewhere in between – to
speak their minds.
Yet those profs worried about SMU commingling in
public consciousness with an unpopular president who led
an unpopular war need only look south to Austin, where
the LBJ Library and School of Public Affairs shares
space with the University of Texas.
Protests preceded the library and school's openings
in the early 1970s. Lyndon Johnson directed an even less
popular war – Vietnam – and chose not to run for
re-election in 1968, not confident he would win.
Today, our view of LBJ has gained texture over the
years, richer for the historical context and certainly
fuller than the snapshot caricature of the moment.
The same will happen with Mr. Bush. We will learn
more and more about Florida 2000, 9/11, Afghanistan and
the war on terror, Katrina, No Child Left Behind, Social
Security and immigration reform, the push to bring
democracy to the Middle East and, of course, Iraq.
The Bush years, without doubt, have been
consequential ones. SMU is an exceptional setting for
the study and debate of this presidency's place in
American and world history.
STATEMENT OF MISSION
The Vision of Southern Methodist University
To create and impart knowledge that will shape citizens
who contribute to their communities and lead their
professions in a global society.
The Mission of Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University's mission is to be a
leading private institution of higher learning that
expands knowledge through research and teaching. Among
its faculty, students, and staff, the University
develops skills and cultivates principled thought and
wisdom. The University is dedicated to the values of
academic freedom and open inquiry and to its United
Methodist heritage.
To fulfill its mission the University strives for
quality, innovation, and continuous improvement as it
pursues the following goals:
To enhance the academic quality and competitiveness
of the University.
To improve teaching and learning.
To strengthen scholarly research and creative
achievement.
To support and sustain student development and
quality of life.
To broaden global perspectives.
To advance the University through select, strategic
alliances.
SOURCE: Southern Methodist University
undergraduate catalog
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