Over 200 years ago the first amendment was ratified, allowing everyone to speak their mind freely, regardless of what beliefs they hold. As a student newspaper, we have a deep respect for the first amendment — it allows us to do our job.
The first amendment is as important today as it was before it was ratified. We need to protect all speech regardless if it’s far-right or far-left.
This week conservative Christ Church Pastor Doug Wilson lectured on campus for an event called “The Lost Virtue of Sexism.” Many believe that Wilson and groups who hold the same beliefs should not be allowed to lecture on our campus due to their controversial rhetoric towards women and the LGBTQA community.
As a public institution, UI should not take a stance on what a particular organization can or cannot say. Although these beliefs are controversial, CRF’s right to speak and choose to bring controversial speakers such as Wilson should not be taken from them.
Regulating one organization’s right to speech opens up a door that needs to remain closed, giving the possibility of regulating any group deemed too far left or right.
But the most important part of free speech is that the other side also has it, protestors and those who do not agree with Christ Church can vocalize their feelings back. Which students made sure to do at Tuesday’s event.
Don’t forget that the first amendment while tricky is important because no matter your beliefs you can always speak up for them and defend your side.
And while Wilson’s lectures and appearances on campus are extremely offensive to many different groups — the university cannot and should not silence him. Instead of fighting to force Wilson off campus we should put efforts into supporting the groups affected by this controversial rhetoric.
*This editorial has been edited to reflect particular UI student groups’ correct stance on Christ Church and CRF.