American universities ought to be bastions of free expression, but as we too often find out, many have become inhospitable toward those with unpopular ideas. From college-imposed “free speech zones” to acts of force by activists and students to shut down speaking events, the free exchange of ideas is increasingly restricted and suppressed.
In the past week, state lawmakers across the country have introduced similar legislation to push back against this trend and protect free expression on college campuses. California Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, R-Murrieta, was among those who introduced the Campus Free Speech Act as a constitutional amendment.
Among others things, it seeks to nullify restrictive speech codes, prevent college administrators from disinviting controversial speakers, and set disciplinary sanctions for students who interfere with others’ free speech.
“Liberty cannot live without the freedom to speak and nowhere is that more important than on college campuses where we educate the leaders of tomorrow,” Melendez said in announcing the introduction of the bill, which is based on model legislation drafted by the Goldwater Institute. “The institutional silencing of individuals because of differing political ideology threatens the very foundation upon which our country was built.”
As shown by recent events at the University of California, Berkeley, involving Milo Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter, and the shutting down of a talk by conservative commentator Heather Mac Donald at Claremont McKenna College, free speech is apparently seen by many ideologically motivated students as a problem.
This trend benefits and protects not the majority of students, but empowers and reflects the worldview of a minority of activists who see it as their obligation to control and dominate the exchange of ideas. This should not be tolerated, especially on campuses that receive public dollars.
The stifling of free speech through force, threats or bureaucratic obstacles not only directly impairs the free expression of individuals but undermines the ability of Americans to civilly engage with ideas different from their own.
Melendez’s introduction of the Campus Free Speech Act should inspire discussion of cultural and policy changes needed on college campuses.