The following is an editorial that appeared in the September 25, 2007 Columbia Spectator

In recent days, Columbia's administration and students have been heavily criticized for their willingness to open the campus up to a controversial figure and polemic ideas. Despite the media circus and the immense controversy surrounding Monday's speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the university handled itself with the courage and philosophical integrity befitting a prestigious institution. Today, there is much for the members of the University community to be proud of.

The success of the event rested on the shoulders of University President Lee Bollinger, whose performance during Ahmadinejad's time here was powerful and incisive. The president opened his remarks with an eloquent defense of free speech before challenging the Iranian leader on several of his more reprehensible positions. Bollinger's willingness to directly and openly convey his concerns about the President's leadership was both prudent and heartening. Students have criticized Bollinger for his waffling position during the MEALAC controversy in 2005, but in Monday's remarks he proved that he was not afraid to take Ahmadinejad to task for many of his statements and actions.

Students also deserve praise for the their willingness to listen and question the speaker. The shadow of Jim Gilchrist's appearance last fall still lingers on campus, and it seemed quite possible that Monday's event could take a similar turn. However, students were able to come together and create a forum on Low Plaza to discuss their concerns, fears, and outrage with the policies of Ahmadinejad's government. Not all aspects of the event were universally welcomed—a number of students said they felt alienated by inflammatory fliers and remarks—but creating spaces where dialogue is possible is essential in situations like these, and the gathering on College Walk was a good step.

Now that President Ahmadinejad has spoken, our work has just begun. Over the next few days, students, professors and administrators must think critically about what we have learned from him—particularly his provocative thoughts on the plight of the Palestinians, Iran's nuclear program, and how Western imperialism has helped shape the Middle East. Monday's event shows how dearly we value free speech at Columbia. Now, we must come together to prove that we also value thoughtful discussion of the ideas raised during those 90 minutes, no matter how reprehensible we find the speaker. - The Editorial Board, Columbia Spectator

Note: See also For Colleges, Whom to Give a Platform is an Agonizing Call A video of the event may be viewed at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/news/07/09/sipairan.html