Editor:
Recent polls about college students’ views concerning First Amendment rights paint a dire picture of the future of our country.
There is a growing trend where speakers are being prevented from delivering their message by disruption; sometimes by violence, which is growing in acceptance; and even by campus policy that has bowed to those intent on silencing opposing ideas. So, instead of debate or an exchange of ideas, there is now silence. All of this is in the name of opposing hate speech, which unfortunately has been redefined to mean anything contrary to someone’s belief.
Most students will defend free speech, as long as it is speech they agree with.
Strangely, in an environment that should encourage discussion, there are a growing number of colleges and universities that feel compelled to make sure no one is offended. Why? Are students so delicate and vulnerable that they will become destroyed by an opposing thought? These institutions have become Big Brother and now determine what is acceptable and what is not.
Ask an immigrant from an oppressive country what they think of free speech, and they will tell you that it is one of the things that made this country great and gave them the desire to come here. Unless things change, true free speech could become a thing of the past, and our way of life with it. I worry for our grandchildren.
David Breen
Exeter Township
Source: Berkshire mont
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