Education, like other facets of our society, is constantly changing to adapt to advancements in technology, thought, and policy. However, not every change is necessarily positive. Issues of free speech have made national headlines — whether it’s an op-ed in The Daily Princetonian or a news piece in Campus Reform documenting violent responses to a peaceful protest. The ideology behind such actions is being carried into other aspects of collegiate life, slowly eradicating the very purpose of education: to engage in thoughtful discourse.
Collegiate education has always held an esteemed place in our society, a space that encourages critical thinking, thoughtful engagement with various ideas, and differing viewpoints. The ability to express one’s opinion is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution. But what we are seeing now is a battle among students and faculty on what free speech means and the degree to which free speech is accepted on college campuses.
The debate over speakers coming to campus and then subsequently being disinvited is one major component of the debate over free speech rights. A few days ago, Mark Edmundson, a University of Virginia professor, argued that faculty, not students, should decide which speakers come to campus. He cited the need to bring “scholars, scientists, and artists, as well as bona fide statesmen and women” instead of entertainers.
Yes, universities should seek to bring intellectual scholars to their campuses, but that does not necessarily mean student groups should not be able to invite speakers they are otherwise interested in hearing from.
Likewise, free expression cannot be restricted to free speech zones because the administration is wary of the consequences. Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke about the need to eradicate free speech zones, citing the incident at Los Angeles Pierce College when a student was told he could not hand out copies of the Constitution outside of a 616 square feet free speech zone.
Beyond controversial speakers and free speech zones, students have become intolerant towards ideas they simply disagree with. Earlier this month, at the University of California San Diego, a student stabbed a free speech ball with a pocket knife because he was “triggered” by what some students chose to write on the ball. Luckily no one was hurt, but responding to a disagreement of thought with violence proves just how intolerant some students have become.
Such incidents at universities and colleges nationwide are shifting the focus from free and open discourse to an antagonistic, sometimes violent, debate. Furthermore, this is becoming normalized as such incidents increase, raising the question: What is it really like to go to college in 2017?
As a society, we need to make a decision as to whether we want to continue on this divisive path or come together to peacefully discuss the roots of our disagreements. This week is Free Speech Week, a national effort to raise public awareness about the First Amendment and celebrate our freedom to speak. We should take this time to sincerely examine how our reactions to ideological differences are shaping the face of education.
Instead of violence, we should look to peaceful resolutions. Instead of heated debates, we should seek to engage in civil discourse.
Alexander Staudt (@astaudt94) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. He is director of free speech at Young Americans for Liberty, a non-profit organization based in Arlington, Va., with more than 900 college chapters across the country.
This piece is part of a Free Speech Week series from Young Americans for Liberty. To view the first piece, click here.
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