Are most universites and colleges as ridiculous as Columbia University?

Question

I mean COME ON!!! Who would let a mass terrorist supporter and fascist dictator like mahmoud ahmadinejad into their American University to speak? Is this a sign of things to come? As a parent, I am very worried...

Answer 1

Universities have always allowed unconventional speakers to express themselves. Generally they make rational arguments, although their viewpoints may be irrational. It is up to the listener, rather, to learn something or make rational arguments of their own, refuting the speaker.

It's not a thing to come. Universities have been allowing unpopular viewpoints since this long before Galileo spoke at the University of Padua. Lots of people got pissed off with his speech too.

Hopefully, your kid is smart enough to make his/her own rational arguments (a skill they would have learned at university, certainly not at home...)

Answer 2

The great thing about the US is the fact that we allow unpopular speech. Shame on you for putting down Columbia for allowing us to practice our most cherished freedom.

Allowing speech and supporting it are two different things. People in the US are much more aware of what is going on in Iran now that Columbia has allowed him to talk.

We need more universities like Columbia.

And we need fewer people like you -- though I support your right to speak out like an idiot.