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Every time I open The Crimson’s website, I see yet another article about Republicans being afraid to share their opinions. Another woe-is-me op-ed about the lack of right-wing voices on campus. You would think that Democrats are hunting down Republicans through Harvard Yard, pouncing at one positive word about Ronald Reagan.

And I’ll say it. I’m sick of it.

I’m sick of the inferiority complex. I’m sick of the self-righteous condemnation of Democrats and the obsession with diversity of opinion (but not nearly as much attention to background). Yes, we should remain committed to intellectual vitality, but when people voice hateful views they can’t expect their peers to ignore it.

We must reconsider how we approach political disagreement at Harvard. I will lament the lack of campus Republicans when they start changing the way they engage with their political opponents.

Higher education relies on respectful debate. Unfortunately, current discourse at our University can easily transition from disagreement to disrespect. And I’ve found that this type of rhetoric comes most often from Republican voices.

In conversations surrounding affirmative action, difference of opinion can quickly turn to racism and classism. Disagreement about the war in Gaza devolves to anti-Arab racism, and on the other end, antisemitism. Debates over LGBTQ+ rights can spiral into transphobia or homophobia, and conversations about immigration can transform into xenophobic fearmongering.

Just last month, the Harvard Conservative and Republican Student Conference hosted University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School professor Amy L. Wax. At the event, Wax spoke about the value of a “European majority,” apparently doubling down on her notorious white supremacy. When conservatives invite such explicitly racist figures to campus, they shouldn’t be surprised when it discredits their image.

Our commitment to political disagreement can’t become a blank check for these forms of hate. The right to free expression comes with the responsibility to show respect for identity and lived experience.

The Republican Party, because of President Donald Trump’s popularity, has now become the face of attacks on the basic rights of immigrants, transgender people, and racial minorities. Those on campus who declare themselves Republicans must recognize that their label carries this political baggage, whether they like it or not.

So as Republicans beg Democrats to listen to them, I ask Republicans to listen to this Democrat.

If you want your opinions to be respected on campus, you must distinguish yourself from this dangerous offensive. You must engage in intellectual discourse while acknowledging the rights of others. Harvard doesn’t simply have a problem of ideological homogeneity — it has a problem of insufficient compassion.

Difference in opinion is vital. It is important that our campus is filled with people who will challenge the opinions of others. But respect and intellectual engagement must be earned. People aren’t ending friendships because they disagree about tax policy — they’re ending friendships because complicity with Trump means supporting the loss of fundamental freedoms. When politics becomes a surrogate for racism, sexism, and homophobia, do not expect people to unflinchingly accept hate in the name of nonpartisanship or intellectual vitality.

So what do we do? How can Harvard foster genuine open-minded discourse while still repudiating hate?

We could create another structured forum. Harvard’s leadership could write a never ending string of idealist emails about improving dialogue. But the true responsibility falls on us — the students. This problem will only be solved with real self-reflection. We must demand higher standards of intellectual engagement.

Republicans, if you believe in the truth, validity, and importance of your beliefs, then defend them — and not merely in echo chambers. At the same time, ask yourself: Is this a political disagreement or a personal affront to my peers? Not all Democrats are off-the-wall enforcers of political correctness — we just want respect.

If Republicans want esteem on campus, you must recognize that words have consequences. Disagreement will make us stronger. But it must be informed, honest, and respectful. Anything less is not discourse; it’s just an excuse for disrespect.

Katie H. Martin ’28, a Crimson Editorial editor, lives in Wigglesworth Hall.