Letter to the Editor for July 20, 2017

Reader upset over opposition to ‘campus free speech’ bill

After reading your “Jeers to Rep. Liz Pike” (Editorial in July 13, 2017 Post-Record), I became very confused as to “campus free speech rights” and the protection of the First Amendment. Because of your stated opposition to the elements of this legislation, I question if you would even accept this letter as suitable for viewing but I will continue. You mentioned that you opposed the bill’s prohibition of opposing group’s restriction of other people’s free speech. Now let’s look at what you stated. You would support people infringing on the free speech of others who would oppose your point of view — so only your view is the accepted way of looking at things. Wow! And that colleges would not be able to prohibit “controversial” speakers from speaking on campus. Now who decides what is “controversial,” you or those deemed “suitable” by your point of view? I thought liberal education was to allow a variety of points of view, so that college students could examine these various points and determine what they would choose to believe and not told or brainwashed by only one perspective. These are college students, no more than one step away from adulthood responsibilities don’t treat them like kindergarteners. Let them decide for themselves. They don’t need “safe zones,” they need opportunities to think for themselves by being exposed to a variety of ways to view important subjects.