Conservative newspapers aren’t the only ones taking notice of the long, slow, humiliating death of free speech occurring on college campuses across the country.
In an editorial, the moderate Chicago Tribune has taken schools to task for the erosion of free speech rights, writing that “free expression is not faring well on American college campuses these days.” After acknowledging that no one is suggesting students be able to spew racial or misogynist sentiments, the Tribune’s editorial board suggested schools be wary of going too far when it comes to cracking down on speech.
“But it’s important not to go so far in protecting undergraduates that they lose the spontaneous and open interactions they need to understand the world and the society in which they live,” the Tribune wrote. “An education that spares students from unwanted challenges to their thinking is not much of an education.”
While noting that some schools have taken at least tepid stances against college snowflakes, the Tribune praised the University of Chicago, which issued a statement last year strongly supporting debate and free speech.
“[D]ebate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the university community to be offensive, unwise, immoral or wrong-headed,” UC wrote.
Part of the problem, the Tribune wrote, is an overly broad definition of “hostile environment” and “harassment” that have come from the Obama administration’s Education Department. Recently, the American Association of University Professors condemned this broadening of the definitions and the consequences that have come from it.
The AAUP wrote: “Learning can be best advanced by more free speech that encourages discussion of controversial issues rather than by using punitive administrative and legal fiat to prevent such discussions from happening at all.”
Just as it is welcomed when students speak out against the squelching of free speech and critical discussion on college campuses, it’s nice to see mainstream media outlets standing up for the First Amendment and suggesting college students grow up.
Ashe Schow is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
