I was relieved that after an initial denial, a Turning Point USA chapter was granted Registered Student Organization status at Fort Lewis College. This is the right call, disturbing as some readers, students, faculty and community members might view this reversal.
From the American Civil Liberties Union: “At a moment when the government is using every tool at its disposal to push ideological conformity, here are five reminders about your First Amendment rights: The First Amendment protects the rights to free speech, belief and association; …. Censorship doesn’t change minds, but open conversation and debate do.”
As an educator, activist for literacy and a devoted lover of public libraries, I cannot support censorship, no matter how vile, bilious or racist your words. We do not change hearts or uninformed attitudes by denying them a voice. Your right to abhorred speech doesn’t get denied because what your say revolts me or makes me question your mental acuity, your sanity or your impoverished education.
You retain the same rights as mine to spout idiocy as long as you do not “incite violence.” As with most of what Charlie Kirk said, I don’t need to like it, respect, support it or donate in its name, but I do need to let you say your piece, peaceably. As John Morley wrote, “You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.”
If you come after me as a teacher with your lies, though – watch out – I have knowledge and facts on my side.
Stephanie Bruce Moran
Durango
