2006-11-26 13:56:40 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Pretty much is, except for Oral Roberts U and a few other red necky bible colleges
2006-11-26 14:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Too many respondents miss the point. Many, if not most, college campuses have speech codes that prohibit speech that might make some interest groups uncomfortable.
They use these codes to regulate and restrict political speech from conservative organizations such as College Republicans. Another favorite target is military recruiters.
Censoring speech is not an American value. I would prefer that everyone feel free enough to speak honestly, even if the thoughts they share are inconsistent with my values. Once the truth is spoken, I would be able to make an informed opinion. Speech codes make people lie, or hide the truth.
So, yes, let's have unrestricted speech on campuses.
2006-11-27 01:23:40 · answer #2 · answered by farfrommensa 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. Free speech is the cornerstone of a democratic republic. Nothing good has ever come from censorship.
But that does not mean that one should be allowed to interfere with class. One shouldn't be able to just interrupt a class to spout off their views. Non-classroom areas though should be unrestricted.
The concept of obscene speech is ridiculous. There is really no such thing. Different people are offended by different ideas/words. There is no reason that someone should be prohibited from saying a word just because someone else doesn't like it. Look at how language changes over the years, what's obscene to an 80-year old can be completely normal for a 20-year old. The only way to resolve the difference is to acknowledge that there is not right to not be offended. Free speech allows for the offended party to express their opinion just as much as it allows for the other party to offend.
Censorship only allows for minority voices to be silenced.
2006-11-28 09:43:30 · answer #3 · answered by NoGodsNoMasters 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, unfortunetly, however, complete freedom of speech does not really exist.
It is especially true where freedom of speech is not encouraged at all, and true in the United States as well.
You have freedom of speech until it steps on someone's toes, or George Bush and his cronies figure you might be a terrorist because you wear a turban and so they invoke the "Patriot Act".
You don't even have the freedom to express your racist comments in most places (not that I agree one bit that people should tolerate that)... but the fact is... freedom of speech does not really exist.
A college is the best place for freedom of speech, however. The problem is, colleges tend to be places where your freedom of speech rights are violated the most!
Colleges, in an attempt to be avant garde and to keep ideas flowing, tend to enforce a strong code of political correctness on anyone on the campus. Either by policy or by the academics themselves in their social behaviour.
I have always found academics to have the lowest tolerance for people's rights to freedom of speech.
To answer your question, however, as an opinion... I think the answer should be YES.
2006-11-30 08:56:13 · answer #4 · answered by Michael 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The best place to learn and practice democracy/ freedom of speech is at the campuses.
2006-11-29 09:03:02 · answer #5 · answered by Manueldatu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every American is entitled to freedom of speech. What most Americans don't know is that Obscene language is NOT protected under the US Constitution. As long as it's kept clean, I say it should not be restricted. I also don't agree that "Speech" should be construed to mean peoples actions such as burning the flag or robbing a bank. To me, thats just idiotic.
2006-11-26 20:33:17 · answer #6 · answered by SGT. D 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. A level of deciency and respect should be enforced on college campuses. I don't care what you're saying, or who you're protesting. Just do it without swearing, using other obsene language, or getting in my face while I try and get to class.
2006-11-26 17:36:32 · answer #7 · answered by Captain Moe 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Individuals on campus should have the right to state there opinion. If you refer to speeches sponsored by the college, private colleges have the right to decide what to endorse or not endorse. You have the freedom to speak, but not to use my resources to make yourself heard.
2006-11-27 13:34:09 · answer #8 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Within certain parameters yes. Like inciting violence, things like that, as far as being able to express your opinion about a subject yes it should be free to speak your mind.
2006-11-26 14:07:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
.they should have the same freedom as every other citizen and not be allowed to yell fire in a crowded theater
2006-11-26 21:09:18 · answer #10 · answered by arthur d 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋