The two Stanford administrators who were present when I spoke there Tuesday evening were Nanci Howe, Associate Dean and Director of Student Affairs, and Snehal Naik, Assistant Dean and Associate Director of Student Affairs. They were not there to listen and consider; they were there to ensure that the event was disrupted.
They did this first by making sure that the hall was packed with students who had no intention of attending the lecture, but were there only to sabotage it by denying seats to people who actually wanted to attend. They even kept out some members of the College Republicans, the group that was sponsoring the event.
Then, after the walkout, they refused to allow in people who actually wanted to attend, refusing repeated requests to do so.
They also refused to allow the Young America’s Foundation to stream the event, clearly because they knew what was in the offing and did not want video going out live that would show just how much Stanford has deteriorated and how opposed it is to free discourse.
I had no contact with Howe. Naik, wearing the same mouse-colored jacket he sports in the photo with Trevor Noah, greeted me with great warmth and affability, and actually said, “We’re glad you’re here.” Oleaginous insincerity oozed from his every pore. Belying his unctuous demeanor, he was so unyielding that at the end of the event, when College Republicans (who have been bullied and victimized by Stanford administrators all through this process, and egregiously and repeatedly smeared in the Stanford Daily and other student publications) asked him if some of the members who had not been allowed in could now come in for a group photo, he refused to allow even that.
At that point, I asked him if he had always been a fascist, or had become one recently. He looked embarrassed. He should be embarrassed. Fascism has no place on university campuses, or shouldn’t, but thanks to Nanci Howe and Snehal Naik and so many others like them all over the nation, it is dominant.
A sane university would fire Howe and Naik immediately. However, it is likely that they are not responsible, but were just executing orders from higher up. It is Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Provost Persis Drell who should be fired. But it is much more likely that they will be lauded and hailed by their peers for their denial of free inquiry.
From the Stanford Student Activities and Leadership Page:
Professional Staff
Nanci Howe
Associate Dean and Director
About Nanci: Nanci was writing this bio when a student walked in the door asking for help.
Areas of Responsibility: ASSU/GSC/Undergraduate Senate, Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Other Arts), Athletic (Outdoor Recreation), Pre-Professional, Recreational, and Social Orgs, Sophomore Class Presidents, Policy development and interpretation, Off-campus Fundraising, New Org Processes, ASSU Speaker’s Bureau, The Daily, and Debate Orgs.
Snehal Naik
Assistant Dean and Associate Director
About Snehal: Snehal came to Stanford after working at universities in Boston, New York City and Monterey. As an UCSD undergrad he was active in student government, campus programs and concert planning. He also served as an orientation leader and RA. Snehal goes to as many student events as he can – – riding a camel at Israeli Independence Day was a highlight.
Areas of Responsibility: Athletic (Club Sport, Other), Academic orgs, Health and Wellness orgs, Media/Publications orgs, Political orgs, Stanford Concert Network Advisory Board, International orgs, Peer Advisor Program, Workshop Schedule, White Plaza, Junior Class Presidents, and the Alcohol Advisory Board.
