Editorial: On censorship and free speech
An editorial published in the Oct. 7 issue of The Guardsman titled “Critical Citizens Vital to a Republic” warned against exalting the president in a celebration at City College and advocated dissent as a fundamental necessity of democracy. We received one letter to the editor in response to that editorial, which we published in our Oct. 21 issue.
In that letter, John A. Wills wrote that he was in agreement with our editorial, then offered his opinion on the chancellor’s participation in San Francisco’s Pride Parade.
We considered printing an editorial response with the letter outlining the difference between the Obama celebration and this college’s support of diversity.
It is not in the best interest of a free forum of ideas to chastise opinions, however, so the letter was printed unaltered.
The Guardsman has received several letters in response to Wills’, most of which were eloquent and respectful. The letter printed here is the most inclusive of all the opinions received. All letters received on this topic are available online at http://theguardsman.com/willsresponse.
Most concerning, however, is the criticism we received for even printing Wills’ letter, as if we should censor letters to the editor and only print the ones conforming to our own opinions, or to City College’s mission. This sentiment is incredibly dangerous to a society advocating free speech and a free press.
Without the ability to say and publish unpopular opinions, could any civil rights movement have occurred? Attack minority opinion, dissent, and you remove the one tool minority populations have to affect change, to win rights and to fight for equality. Every reader of The Guardsman should ask themself whether they want a free, uncensored and unbiased press or a microphone for one set of ideas.
We feel the letter’s wording, while possibly offensive, falls far short of “hate speech,” violence or obscenity, and ultimately, there was a positive outcome to this controversy. An important issue has been brought to the forefront of public debate.
Love or hate the ideas, our community benefits from open, uncensored discussion — exactly the type of discussion The Guardsman strives to provide.
