Traditionally our country’s colleges have been the first place to find discussion of new and changing ideas despite conflicts. So it stands to reason that at a time when the nation is divided on the issue of whether or not to restrict freedom of speech, the colleges will be the first to experience restrictions. Currently, most colleges strive to increase their diversity which, in turn, supports conflicting opinions and perspectives. Some opinions and discussions are negative and/or controversial to certain groups, which means that conflict brought about from those opinions and their counter-points may distract bystanders who are drawn into the issue, willing or not.
While colleges and universities are essential places for debate, that is not there primary purpose. I feel that they are first and foremost, places of education. As this college’s mission statement begins “The students' education is the first priority at Cape Cod Community College.” If something gets in the way of its primary objective, the college should do what it can to stop the disturbance and focus on education. When verbal conflict gets in the way of a productive learning environment, it is the responsibility of the management and community to put the conflict aside for a more appropriate place and time. People who are unwilling to stop temporarily for the benefit of their fellow students have no place in a communal learning organization and should not be permitted to continue to pursue their education.
The right to free speech struggles with the dilemma where everyone wants the right to have their voice heard but no one wants to be hurt by someone else’s words. But, if young people are denied unbiased education, then there will be no free speech anyway, as all opinions they have would have been forced on them before they had the opportunity to develop their own.
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