students across the nation believe they "have a constitutional right not to be offended."
Sound familiar, John? You "Poo, Poo" it from me, maybe you will give is some consideration when Nat Hentoff of the "Village Voice" says it. I added the "Bold" to one sentence.
The twilight of free speech at colleges
Nat Hentoff
Well, I disagree with Hentoff on occasion. So I was prepared to do so. However, the essay, as opposed to the headline he offers, is actually about opening up speech. It does not say that administrations forbid conservative viewpoints; rather it says this particular administration encourages more viewpoints. As, apparently, do some student organizations as well.
College students, among other things, arrive at college, at least many of them, locked into viewpoints. Presumably, college helps them, at least rethink those viewpoints, open them up to other views, and, in some cases, change those viewpoints. They are, typically, when they arrive, not very good at arguing their points. So they shout, try to close down other viewpoints, etc. Some learn better. That's one of the things college is about.
So, actually, I'm heartened by what you posted. Wesleyan, as everyone might not know, is one of the more liberal colleges. No doubt, you can find the opposite problems in more conservative ones. Try visiting Bob Jones College/University sometime. |
