The Binghamton University campus was thrown into turmoil over the planned appearance of a Black studies professor, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, who had previously made controversial statements referring to white people as “ice people” and accusing “rich Jews” of financing the slave trade. The largely white student body was on edge, and rumors swirled about the involvement of outside agitators. Jewish students were outraged and demanded the event be canceled, while Black students were incensed at the potential censorship.
Caught in the middle of this heated debate was Hakeem Jeffries, a 21-year-old senior and political representative for the Black student group that invited Dr. Jeffries to speak. To navigate this tense situation, Mr. Jeffries had to delicately balance cooling tensions while holding firm on the invitation. Adding to the complexity was the fact that Dr. Jeffries was Mr. Jeffries’ uncle.
The events at Binghamton University in February 1992 foreshadowed the culture-war disputes that are now sweeping the nation. The political divisions that exist today are not new, and Mr. Jeffries’ ability to navigate them with poise and diplomacy was apparent even then.
Today, Mr. Jeffries is the leader of House Democrats, and his political opponents have attempted to tie him to his uncle’s controversial views, which he has publicly disavowed. But his ability to debate with scholarship rather than engaging in character attacks was evident in his handling of the situation at Binghamton. Despite the invective-filled speech that Dr. Jeffries gave, the event was ultimately peaceful.
The events at Binghamton University serve as a reminder that even in the midst of contentious debates, it is possible to engage in civil discourse and find common ground. Mr. Jeffries’ handling of the situation demonstrated the importance of listening to all sides and using reason and diplomacy to find a resolution. As the leader of House Democrats, Mr. Jeffries’ skills in conflict resolution and diplomacy will undoubtedly continue to serve him well.
