Shulamit Reinharz (“ ‘Free Inquiry’ vs. ‘diversity’ ’’) advocates that a “standard of inquiry’’ can deepen the efficacy of free inquiry. Reinharz is inspired by distress over the rescindment of an honorary degree for Somali Ayaan Hirsi Ali, lauded in the West for her anti-Islamic perspectives.

Reinharz is shortsighted on two points. First, if she wishes to applaud a Somali woman whose anti-misogyny activism has been energetic and effective, she would do better to support the work of filmmaker Soraya Mire, whose documentary “Fire Eyes’’ critiques the Somali custom of female genital mutilation, while clarifying that it is rooted in tradition, not in Islam.

Second, it may be that Reinharz understands Islam primarily through Hirsi Ali’s unfortunate personal experience, which neither represents the tenets of Islam, nor qualifies Hirsi Ali as a spokesperson for it. Slaveholders and KKK members called themselves Christians, but that did not make their actions representative of Christian ideals.

Reinharz fails to acknowledge that a “standard’’ depends on the subjectivity of those imposing such a standard. This is precisely why free speech and free inquiry must be allowed without judgment. The choice to hear is the listener’s, but the freedom to speak should be guaranteed for all.

Beverly Mack

Lawrence, Kan.

The writer is a professor of African studies at the University of Kansas.