Free Speech Day

This past week I engaged in National Free Speech day at High Point University. We discussed a number of issues regarding free speech both in class and in an open forum in the Comm School Building led by Dr. Smith. I believe the idea of a national day to honor and discuss free speech is incredibly important and valuable in our current society. As our culture has shifted immensely to one that is considerably more accepting of people who are unique or different. This means that what we say can be deemed offensive if heard or construed in the wrong way. As a result of this, our freedom of speech has forced society to restrict the things that we say. On college campuses, this has become a major issue. Colleges and Universities have historically been centers of free thought and free speech in which everyone can contribute their own unique thoughts. However; recently college students have been at the forefront of denying free speech. Speakers at different schools have been shut down by students who oppose their views. Certain schools have lists of words or sayings that are actually against the University's rules. These issues, along with other ones, have become a problem. If the schools in question are public, they therefore are representatives of the state and government itself.