Racism And Hate Speech In College

Hate speech has been a highly debated topic at colleges as of late. Many students, especially minority groups, feel threatened by the words of others. Colleges have started trying to suppress this free speech by implementing speech codes and punishing students for racially charged actions. Colleges claim they have implemented this to protect their students and make their campus a safe space. Others have protested against these rules, declaring these rules unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Although suppressing free speech will make students feel safer, it defeats the purpose of college. Many college students are protesting for administrators to restrict the free speech of others to create a safer learning environment for the students.

Students should be allowed to wear whatever they would like, no matter how outrageously racist or culturally insensitive it is. By denying students the ability to express themselves freely, colleges do a disservice to their students and community. Silencing students doesn’t fix the root of the problems. The only way to fix problems of racism and hate speech long term is through dialogue. Robert Zimmer, president of the University of Chicago, insists, “Free speech is at risk at the very institution where it should be assured: the university.” ZImmer goes stating, “The purpose of a university education is to provide the critical pathway by which students can fulfill their potential, change the trajectory of their families, and build healthier and more inclusive societies.” (Zimmer). Basically, Zimmer is saying the reason universities exist are to help students maximize their potential and be successful in life, help their families thrive, and help shape a better society for the future. I believe the only way to help shape better societies for the future is by interacting with people of all sorts of beliefs, and either persuading each other to a certain side, or learning to tolerate other’s views. Colleges are meant to prepare the geniuses of tomorrow, not to protect them from racist of culturally insensitive costumes. In the real world there is not going to be a dean or president saving you from racial injustices. Also, the actions the students took against Nicholas Christakis were unnecessary and proved useless. The students have the right to, and should, protest, but yelling names at somebody and demanding they apologize for no specified reason will lead nowhere. The students should make their argument clear and engage in dialogue with Mr. Christakis, expressing their concerns and try to persuade him in hopes he will see their views in a new light. Once again, the purpose of college is to learn and discuss ideas through