No one ever said supporting free speech would be easy.
At Indiana University, an economics professor is using hisschool-provided Web space to post a "Web log" of his politicalviews. As an American, he has every right to publish his opinions,and no one would dream of suggesting otherwise if his statementsweren't so controversial.
But, as it turns out, the beliefs Eric Rasmusen promotes-- thatsodomy should be illegal and homosexuals should not be allowed toteach, hold elective office or practice medicine-- relate to atouchy subject, so there has been a forceful reaction inBloomington.
Rasmusen's site is offensive. He compares homosexuals totax-evaders, adulterers, robbers and drug dealers. He accuses gaymen of promiscuity and pedophilia.
Such dramatic charges surely require dramatic evidence, butRasmusen unapologetically admits that he has not a scrap of proofto support his assertions. I expected better from a professor atthe renowned Kelley School of Business. I expected a compellingcase, demonstrating logic and clarity of thought. Instead, I foundan argument based exclusively on irrational fear of those who aredifferent.
Rasmusen's homophobia could intimidate gay students in hisclasses, and it clearly embarrassed the IU administration.
Nevertheless, if we say we love free speech, Rasmusen must beallowed to speak his mind.
There is a tendency, especially among liberals, to stifle speechthat isn't "politically correct." Obviously, the government has aright to censor "hate speech" against minorities, but that would beinappropriate in this case: The professor never promotes criminalacts or violence on his Web log.
It is important to remember the same laws that protect civilrights advocates and peace activists, anti-abortion marchers anddeath penalty opponents, protect Rasmusen.
If he can be silenced, so can anyone else.
I can understand the urge to quiet those who disagree with you.I can understand why an otherwise open-minded student, upon readingRasmusen's Web log, might be angry enough to demand its removal.But there's a simple solution: When you see a TV show you don'tlike, you change the channel, right? It's even easier on the Web:You close the window.
On a university campus more than anywhere else, professors andstudents must feel free to share their views on controversialissues. Even unpopular opinions have to be heard and evaluated.
Anything less than an uninhibited exchange of ideas would damagethe intellectual freedom needed for true education. And if youdon't like what you see, you always have the option to look theother way.
Fortunately, although IU temporarily removed the site from theirserver Friday, it was restored over the weekend.
Rasmusen's well-publicized opinions will make meaningful dialogon many topics impossible in his classroom. But at least theschool's administration, by refusing to give in to the same fear ofthose who are different that drives Rasmusen, has protected theacademic integrity of the rest of the institution.
I don't support the smallest part of Rasmusen's position. Iwould spend my life fighting to keep his fear and discriminationfrom being written into our country's laws.
But I would also use my last breath to defend his right toexpress his views. That's what it means to love free speech. That'swhat it means to be an American.
Write to Stephen at stevehj@mac.com
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