To the Point
Is Free Speech in Trouble on Campus?
College students around the country are demanding protection from words, ideas and unintentional actions that can marginalize and discriminate. Critics warn of a threat to critical thinking—the purpose and the benefit of higher education.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenThe ancient bromide that, “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is being challenged by a new generation. College students are demanding “safe places” from so-called “micro-aggression”— including language that might offend or traumatize. Some researchers agree that words cause “silent suffering”—and that kids are right to insist on protection. But critics call it “censorship” that threatens the free exchange of ideas and disagreements, which are the essence of higher education.
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