Don’t take away free speech

I am outraged by the recent attempts to undermine the principals of free speech. Barack Obama issues his views on the principal of free speech through his Web site, with his concerns for Cuba stating “Never, in my lifetime, have the people of Cuba known freedom.”

Obama describes what injustices Cuban people suffer, which he would change:”Cubans must begin with justice for Cuba’s political prisoners, the rights of free speech, a free press and freedom of assembly”

I reference this to say the situation of hate speech is an issue of free speech. As ignorant and distasteful as it may be, it’s still free speech. It is my hope in the near future the outcries the Student Government and campus administrators will face will not compromise their ability to make a decision for the rights to free speech.

It is my unwavering belief that the four students could never have imagined the energy and positive potential that has been derived from the outrage at their hate speech.

Through their actions, they have created a forum about race which would have never existed without their expression of their views. It is through their actions, the community of Wolfpack faithful has responded to in a forum of viewpoints.

We must utilize our powers of free speech in order to speak. Say whatever it is that you wish to say In an act of defiance to the authors of hatred spray your viewpoint tomorrow night in Free Expression Tunnel!

Matt Holt

senior, landscape architecture