Although this independent student newspaper inherently cherishes the freedom of speech, even we know when a line has been crossed. As many may remember, the disruptions by some members of the Muslim Student Union (MSU) during a guest speaker’s presentation at UC Irvine did indeed go too far.
The incident, which occurred in February, has resurfaced since the campus decided to reduce the student group’s ban from one year to one quarter on campus. This adjusted suspension is reasonable: It allows students to regroup in the spring while still holding the MSU accountable for those who systematically prevented Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren from completing his scheduled speech.
The intent to protest was not the problem. There would have been no controversy if the MSU had picketed outside the event, but their actual disruption no longer could be categorized as an act of free speech.
No student group, regardless of politics, should be allowed to infringe upon another’s ability to speak. All university campuses ideally serve as channels of safe and open discourse. As the UC Policy on Speech and Advocacy states, “activities must not … interfere with the University’s obligation to protect rights to teach, study, and fully exchange ideas.”
Read the full editorial at the Daily Californian.
Like The College Fix on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter
Please join the conversation about our stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, MeWe, Rumble, Gab, Minds and Gettr.