Political parties disagree over free speech on college campuses

WASHINGTON D.C. — Leaders in Washington D.C. are debating the right to free speech on college campuses and the role that higher education institutions are playing in protecting this right, or infringing upon it.

Both Democrats and Republicans argue that the right to free speech is being jeopardized at schools and college campuses.

But they disagree over the cause and how to fix it.

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Republicans argue that colleges are stifling conservative viewpoints by limiting guest speakers.

Meanwhile, Democrats point to Republican-led states passing laws that restrict what can be taught in the classroom.

An example happened last month at Stanford University.

Protesting students stopped an appeals court judge from being able to speak by shouting over him and a school administrator allegedly supported the students in their protest.

A Stanford University student testified before lawmakers about that event, arguing that colleges should encourage diverse thoughts from different speakers.

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“The incident demonstrates a disturbing trend in colleges. The hiring of administrators who are not committed to principles, free speech or even the university’s own policies regarding free speech,” Stanford University student Josiah Joner said.

Democrats on the committee say new GOP laws on what can be taught in classrooms are the real threats to free speech.

For example, they point to laws passed in Florida, Mississippi, and South Dakota that restrict how teachers can teach about racial justice.

“Republican politicians are weaponizing the first amendment to turn the clock back on our higher education system, defend only conservative speech, and undermine support for students most in need,” Democrat Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia said.

Lawmakers also discussed calls to better protect college faculty members who say they have faced harassment and threats over their views on controversial speakers on campus.

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