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In reply to the discussion: Bernie Sanders Defends Ann Coulter [View all]Kentonio
(4,377 posts)Those kind of forums aren't usually a mandatory thing, unless the student is part of a course where its a relevant topic that they're expected to understand thoroughly.
The reason colleges occasionally invite controversial speakers, is because it gives willing students the opportunity to debate subjects from angles that they might otherwise come into contact with in their studies, and give them new perspectives, not least on how some extreme people and groups frame their arguments. It's actually a great way for young people to learn about the more extreme opinions out there, and prepare them for dealing with those in the real world.
I do understand why you don't want people given a platform for hate, but I'm a huge believer in reason and knowledge being the best tools for beating hate. We live in such a shallow and facile society these days where idiots ranting on the radio have a bigger platform than professors, and on the radio or on their websites there's no counter arguments allowed. Just please trust our educated youngsters to be able to not only survive exposure to this stuff in colleges, but also be smart enough to destroy it.