Death of Free Speech

                The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees Freedom of Speech. Yet, this basic freedom is collapsing on liberal college and university campuses where administrators cave to threats of violence from protesters.

                Conservative speakers, such as Ben Shapiro and Milo Yiannopoulos, have been banned from speaking on several campuses. Earlier this year, Yiannopoulos was banned from speaking at DePaul University after his on-campus speech “drew angry crowds of student activists.” 

                Shapiro was banned from speaking at California State University Los Angeles because administrators caved to pressure from protesters who claimed his “message to be one of racism and intolerance.” He was recently banned from speaking at DePaul University, which issued the following statement: “Given the experiences and security concerns that some other schools have had with Ben Shapiro speaking on their campuses, DePaul cannot agree to allow him to speak on our campus at this time.”

                Shapiro gave the following statement to John Minster, vice president of DePaul University’s Young Americans for Freedom chapter:  “It’s both pathetic and predictable that the University is happy to grant a veto on speakers to snowflake leftists so long as the leftists threaten violence…. This is how free speech dies: when people in power cave to the bullies rather than standing up for basic rights.”

                Schools, from elementary schools to colleges and universities, are charged with helping students learn to think clearly and make good decisions. Yet, liberal campuses, by banning conservative speakers, are limiting the information given to students. Thus, students are prevented from hearing both sides and making responsible decisions based on what they hear.

                Could liberal activists be afraid that their liberal teachings cannot stand up to conservative principles? I believe the answer is yes. Conservative principles – such as defending and preserving the Constitution, requiring work for benefits, securing the borders, and defending our nation – are time-proven principles. They work every time they are tried. People with common sense will choose conservative principles over liberal teachings every time. This is the reason why liberal activists do not want students to hear conservative speakers.

                Our freedom of speech – as well as other freedoms – will continue to die unless we stand up to the bullies and allow students to hear from both sides of the political spectrum. The rising generation is the future of our nation. They must be taught conservative principles if America is to become great once again!