Free Speech on Campus

By now, all of you have heard about our latest campus visitor. I will not refer to him by name, but if you don't know who I am referring to then please just ask anyone on campus. I was there Thursday afternoon taking the sight all in and watching the reactions of some of our students. There was a majority in the group that seemed to disagree with the views of our visitor. A riot seemed close at hand when CUPD officers showed up to keep the animosity under control. Feeling the pressure from inside the circle of people, these men and women in blue explained to the crowd that our visitor had a right to be there. While some feebly tried, no one could really argue against that point.

In America, we may not agree with the views of someone else, but we all should fight for someone's right to express them. I have the right to say that the Office of Community and Ethical Standards is the greatest office on campus. While my statement may or may not be accurate (it is), I have the right to say it and there will be some that disagree. This simple right is what makes us so different from other countries. The freedom we have here is why people are willing to pay someone a hefty sum to get across the border, travel in swirling seas in a dingy just to make it to the coast, or use up all their savings to send a family member on their own just so they can have a better life.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

This simple statement means so much to a country that so many love. What are some views that you hold onto that others may not support? However, aren't you glad you have the right to say them? If you disagreed with President Bush, you did not have to fear retribution by raising your concerns. If you disagree with President Obama's foreign policy you have the right to express your disagreement. And in this country which is diverse in so many ways (e.g. culture, ethnicity, style, religion, beliefs, values, etc.) there is bound to be some disagreement. 

Now Clemson is a public university. Given that we are an entity of the state, the orange and purple streets upon which we walk belong to the people not the institution. Therefore, because of free speech anyone can come onto campus can express their opinions. Now there are certain regulations that one must abide by in order to do so. Having said that, all precautions were taken for the appropriate exchange of ideas. An exchange of ideas. However, if you know you cannot have a civil conversation with a member of the community then it is time to practice another right we have as Americans...the ability to simply walk away.

Last week of classes...GOOD LUCK!

-J-