Freedom of Speech

                Some states are fighting back against protesters who attempt to shut down speakers on college campuses.  I say, it is about time.  Education facilities, of all places, should be open to all ideas.  How can one become educated without hearing opposing ideas and having the opportunity to choose between them?

                North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest submitted a proposal that will affect all 17 of the state’s public university campuses.  He wants to create a policy that would include punishment for “those who interrupt the free expression of others.”  Six other states are proposing policies to protect free speech on college campuses.

                Forest’s office issued a statement declaring that no one has “the right to interrupt the speech, shout over the speaker, or otherwise prevent others from listening to the speech” of any speaker invited by a student group to speak on campus. 

                I applaud North Carolina and the six other states that are making a stand against campus bullies who have been shutting down freedom of speech.  I hope other states will follow their lead and shut down the bullies.