Reading 2

response.docx

The main issue that Derek Bok discussed is the extent in which freedom of speech should be tolerated in campus. This was brought about from the student’s display of the confederate flag and swastika. The author goes ahead to say that the displays should not be forbidden but the best option would be to ignore them. This will trigger the person doing so to lay low and stop the protests. The students who feel disturbed should make a move on those displaying the flags and let them know their opinions regarding the issue. His reasoning for this is based on a number of this. First, he says that people have the freedom of speech and expression. This means that the displays are not any legal. The symbols are offensive and it is only ethical for students to stop doing so. However, they are not harmful and ethics are not protected by law. In my opinion, the manner in which a person is brought up determines the kind of behaviors and ethics that they posses. For those hanging the symbols, they could be less concerned with what people think of them as it might not be a big deal. However, there are rules against disturbing other students in campuses. Despite the fact that “offensive” might not be defined by law, it is unethical to disturb other students in campus. In this case, the campus rules should apply and those in charge should have the symbols brought down.

I love the flow of ideas in the discussion. They answered each one of the questions provided well, showing examples of how the matter would have been handled in our campus. I agree with Christiana VanderZel that offensive is not a term that is projected by the bill of rights, but still the campus law can be used to sort such an occurrence and ensure that all the rights of students have been protected. Just like you illustrated, some of the students might not be doing so to disturb others but there are those with strings attached to such symbols. The best move in this case would be to approach the students and get their reasons well. This would solve the issue in a mutual way other than putting restrictions.