Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Detest and Defend

“I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write.” — Voltaire.

At first I thought it was a good idea to expel two college students at the University of Oklahoma for the racist video that’s gone viral; there’s no place at an institution of higher learning for such vile and juvenile behavior.  But the more I think about it and read what legal scholars that I respect have to say on the matter, I’m inclined to think that no matter how vile and indefensible the speech was, being expelled for it from a public university runs headlong into the First Amendment.

There’s probably a lawsuit already in the works to get the students reinstated.

5 barks and woofs on “Detest and Defend

  1. I was thinking along similar lines. Although I may disagree with what you may say, I will defend to the death your right to say it!

  2. There is no question, what they said or sang is indefensible on the merits and spirit of the language. But what is defensible is their “Right to be Wrong”. However I don’t believe the sincerity of the one students apology yesterday. He certainly didn’t think anything was wrong about his little ditty when singing it on the bus. He only found remorse after expulsion and exposure on the news.

  3. Expulsion does a number of things, not least mess with the students’ financial situations, and put a nasty black mark on their transcripts that will have to be explained. I would expect that the students would be readmitted (next year) – but having the rest of this year to ponder, losing a good chunk of their tuition sources, and having to explain to a prospective grad school or employer why they got expelled will do them a world of good without preventing them from continuing to be overt bigots. Their rights are intact: but they’re feeling the consequences of their speech, which is perfectly acceptable.

  4. They’d be within their rights to sue, but it would still be a dick move.

    I like the saying that “Character is what you do when you don’t think anyone is watching.” They showed their true character on the bus. Of course they’re young so there’s still time to change their ways.

  5. I don’t think they have any rights to be racist pricks. If they exhibit it while at the university, I am sure the university has a code of conduct these assholes agreed to, and violated. That’s a contract, and they violated it.

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