Defending leftist positions often leads to being labeled as extremist or communist, facing insults, and challenges. The debate is not just about free speech but also about leftism. The speaker highlights the sensitivity towards insults directed at political stances. When discussing the difference between social and academic speech, the speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in conversations even in social settings to promote learning and understanding. The speaker encourages individuals to express their views, even if they are unpopular, and engage in debates to foster a culture of open discussion.
Tensions have been ramping up at universities across the country as students continue to protest the war in Gaza. Reports of antisemitism, islamophobia, and harassment have led to concerns that some students have crossed a line into hateful and threatening speech that requires intervention. Others contend that efforts to clamp down on protests in the name of campus safety suppresses free speech. Within that context, we revisit this debate on adjacent issues from a few years back to see what lessons that can be applied to the current situation: Is Free Speech Threatened on Campus?
Arguing Yes: John McWhorter, Linguist and Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University; Wendy Kaminer, Writer and Lawyer
Arguing No: Shaun Harper, Founder and Executive Director of the USC Race and Equity Center; Jason Stanley, Professor of Philosophy at Yale University
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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