While free speech zones may be important on campus, there’s a right and wrong way to voice your opinion.
We’re all given the right to exercise free speech, with the University of Kentucky being no exception. Nonetheless, some use their right of speech in hand with that of protest, including two men who visited UK’s campus on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
It’s not unusual that we see such groups, some more docile than others, like a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses who are often found quietly next to a stand with their books, only speaking to students when approached. Others — like a well known moon landing denier — shout their thoughts next to a poster, ignored by most students. A specific type of demonstrators, such as the two aforementioned men, get some of the most attention and create the largest crowds and debates.
The two men, armed with signs and flyers, stood at one of the free speech areas across from the Gatton Student Center where they loudly voiced their thoughts.
One of the men, who only gave the name John, spoke extensively about sexuality and his beliefs on the matter, yelling at students that toted pride flags, using hateful language and saying certain people will “go to hell,” using religion to support his beliefs. Visiting UK for the sole purpose of berating college students about their lifestyle choices is never received well by those who hear it and is arguably a nuisance on campus.
The demonstrators, while annoying in their approach, have the same rights as the rest of us to voice their opinions, and allowing them that space upholds our own rights to speak freely. Free speech means that we will not always like or agree with the thoughts of others, but everyone has the right to say what they think.
“We’re here preaching the word of God … we’re here to preach the word and whatever happens, happens,” the second demonstrator, Jesse Aaron, 23, said.
Demonstrators like Aaron and John are given the same rights as myself and all the other U.S. citizens protected by the First Amendment are, and yes, there is conflict and controversy, but it allows people with new or different opinions to voice their beliefs. No matter if people agree or disagree with the messages being said, having free speech on campus is essential. While the words and viewpoints are often inflammatory, especially by groups like these, their place on campus is important to create a conversation where people can agree or disagree.
Many students disagreed with the demonstrators, but they also had the opportunity to argue and debate with them. In a free speech area at UK, demonstrators are confined to a small space on campus, meaning that if the speech is upsetting to students, they have the freedom and ability to ignore it. It also means that if students want to engage in conversation, they have the ability and space to do so.
Without these free speech areas, as much as students may like or dislike them, we mute important conversations. Debate and disagreement is the foundation of our country and society, and every person has a right to their opinion. Having many different types of people and ideologies on campus is what makes UK the diverse community that it is.
No matter if the demonstrators in the free speech area are subjectively right or wrong in the presentation of their thoughts, if that area is removed, a precedent is set for the university — one that says that some ideas are not welcome here.
In the end, it is essential in order to preserve the diversity of ideas and wide range of beliefs, as we are a community built on embracing differences. While some people who use the free speech area may use it in better ways than others, allowing everyone the same opportunities improves the diversity of ideas on UK’s campus.
