General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Bernie Sanders Defends Ann Coulter [View all]stevenleser
(32,886 posts)or at least that was the desire.
Professors could have and express virtually any viewpoint, speakers of all stripes could be invited to speak, even racists and bigots.
I remember the brouhaha when Ahmedinejad was invited to speak here. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/24/us.iran/
The issue is complex because the idea of campus free speech isnt a simple one and not universally supported anymore. We have had protests and cancellations of many speakers recently.
When a racist or other figure with ugly views is invited to speak on campus, IMO the university has a number of responsibilities that need to be met. Some senior figure from the University should speak before and after the speech and offer a counterviewpoint and conduct discussions on what the speaker said.
The purpose of campus free speech is to promote learning, not endorse the ugly views.
I am generally in favor of campus free speech when conducted the right way.