Free Speech

What some may not realize is that extremists are utilizing the college campus as a venue to push their rhetoric and beliefs. These viewpoints are, by nature, polarizing and may bring tension and vitriolic reaction from those in the community and the college campus. Many college missions focus on critical thinking, opportunity, and safety, seeking to create an environment in which all voices can be heard and dialogue across the spectrum is encouraged. Left and right extremist groups bring ideologies that leave little room for discrepant perspectives, limiting opportunity for the learning and personal development that is desired on a college campus. Institutions of higher education seek and desire conversations with varying perspectives and viewpoints being shared on their campuses. When those conversations are coupled with radical behavior and unjust treatment of others, the safe, open, and objective environment college campuses seek to create and maintain is ultimately diminished.