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Essay on Free Speech on College Campuses
What is politically correct, tax-funded state university to do about people who say the "wrong things" on campus? Deny free speech to those who dare to challenge liberal orthodoxy’s pet issues? Deny the relevance of free speech guarantees in the First Amendment and state constitutions? No, 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.
Back in the 1960s liberals on university campuses were screaming about the need for unlimited free speech. Some of those protestors eventually became tenured professors and administrators at these universities, forcing their political and legal ideologies on campus administrations.
For a generation, America's vast system of higher education has become known for its increasing intolerance of free speech when it comes to conservative ideas. Fortunately, the stifling of expression and dialogue on America's university and college campuses may be in its final days.
Recently, both a federal court and the Bush Administration have upheld the First Amendment and denounced university and college policies that prohibit expression perceived as insensitive or hurtful.
First, U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III ruled last week that Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania must end enforcement of its oppressive speech code. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education sued Shippensburg earlier in the year because the university's code states that "commitment to racial tolerance, cultural diversity, and social justice will require every member of this community to ensure that the principles of these ideals be mirrored in their attitudes and behaviors.” In other words, Shippensburg students are required to drench themselves in Left-wing radicalism. Hopefully after this federal ruling, some bit of decency will return to Shippensburg..............
