Free Speech

Response to "Berkeley Free Speech Movement: Paving the way for campus activism"

Cohen explains the history of the Berkeley Free Speech movement. It is this fight that tries to protect student’s rights in a college campus. Universities have “code of conducts” and say regulation of speech is a way to keep students safe and away from controversy. Cohen restates Savio’s analogy of universities to “machine designed to mass-produce conformists… (Cohen 17).” I recall a lawsuit between two college students. At Carnegie Mellon University, a male student was running against a female colleague in an election for the Graduate Student Organization. He called her a “megalomanic” and was charged for sexual harassment. The Dean of the Students accused the male student of being sexist to his female opponent. The male student had no intention of being sexist; he just was caught up in the moment in a heated debate. His words were harsh, yet he was punished exercising his rights. Although Cohen recalls a movement in 1964, many students are fighting for their right of freedom of expression in class to this day. I do believe that this ban of free speech is trying to teach us to become conformist. As university students we should be in an environment with conflicting ideas and opinions.

What defines a ban of free speech as a safety regulation or censorship?

Claudia Chang

ASA 2

Section A01