Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Opinion

When it comes to the different topics that universities should address, there aren't many issues that are more important - or relevant - than terrorism.

Unfortunately, the shrill voices of political extremism and political correctness too often plague our national discourse on the issue. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the current shouting match between David Horowitz and Co. and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Their ugly battle focuses on Horowitz's nation-wide Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week being held by local student Republican groups on college campuses across the country, including Penn's.

So when we found out that Islam Awareness Week - sponsored by Penn's Muslim Student Association - was scheduled for the same week, we braced ourselves for the worst.

Surprisingly, the worst didn't happen.

Instead of setting themselves on a collision course, both groups met and worked out a compromise. While the College Republicans decided to change the week's name to address concerns about cultural sensitivity, Penn's MSA agreed to issue a statement joining the Republicans in condemning Islamic terrorism. Each group also refused to sponsor any protests that would disrupt the other group's events.

In short, these two student organizations have shown that they value informative analysis and reasonable discussion over cheap political shots and heated rhetoric.

Their actions have set an example for politicians, like Rick Santorum, who will speak today on campus as part of the newly named Terrorism Awareness Week.

After all, it's high time national organizations on both sides of the political spectrum started treating terrorism like a serious issue, instead of just another opportunity to play politics.

If college students can do it, there's no reason why our national leaders can't.

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