Over the past few weeks, our University has seen an increase in the number of preachers visiting our campus.
Walking through the Brickyard this past month, you can hear shouts rain over the throngs of people.
The shouts of expression typically center around one core subject: religion. As this country has been founded on religious freedom, it’s natural there will be discussions of the components and basic tenets of this subject.
Our campus only gains new perspectives from these diverse discussions and debates on the topic of religion, however, those that participate must do so in a respectful manner.
Religious liberty, alongside freedom of speech, is something that we are fortunate to have in this country. With these rights, it is important that we take advantage of them by listening and participating in the public debates that are brought to our doorstep.
Too often when we walk around the Brickyard all we see and hear are people spewing incendiary comments on the topic of religion. This is not what the founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the First Amendment to our Constitution.
We support those people who come to campus and provide a different perspective than what we currently have. College is a time when a free flow of ideas is not only desired, but should be encouraged.
What we witness in the Brickyard is that free flow of ideas. However, the exchanges that happen should not be done
in poor taste. Students as well as campus visitors should keep in mind that while they have the right to say most anything, they should not use inflammatory remarks to get their opinion across.
If you’re not one who likes to speak up during these debates on the Brickyard, then find other ways to voice your opinion — even if it’s wearing a t-shirt that states your view. College is the time in our lives when we are to engage our thoughts and challenge our views.
The next time you see a debate on the Brickyard go listen and participate in some way. Expand your mind and challenge someone if they disagree with you, but make sure to do it respectfully and mindfully of others’ views.
