A statement from the Yale Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics, a student organization at Yale affiliated with the Yale Humanist Community: We, the Yale Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics, stand by our decision to criticize the Buckley Programs invitation of Ayaan Hirsi Ali to speak on Islam and the West. As a diverse group of undergraduates with a membership that includes ex-Muslims and atheists from Islamic cultures, we do not believe Ayaan Hirsi Ali represents the totality of the ex-Muslim experience. Although we acknowledge the value of her story, we do not endorse her blanket statements on all Muslims and Islam. We believe Ayaan Hirsi Ali represents a sadly common voice in the atheist community that attacks and provokes, rather than contributes to constructive criticism or dialogue. We remind our fellow atheists, Humanists, and agnostics of the rich history of dissent within our community, and do not believe belonging to this community necessitates an endorsement of all community members and their beliefs. Signed, The officers of the Yale Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:13:06 +0000