Should universities be more tolerant or less tolerant of speech that might be offensive than other institutions?
I believe universities should be less tolerant of offensive speech. I think that individuals should be respectful of each other and although that means accepting each other’s faults it would allow for and environment that is accepting and inviting. It’s time we started being a civilized, respectful civilization.Less tolerant because we are here to teach or should I say educate people on how to accept others not just tolerate them—Margo KincaidLess tolerant of offensive speech because the educational environment should be conducive to growth and individuality. Hateful speech stunts growth & does not encourage individuality—Jessica AnthonyMore tolerant because it allows kids to open their horizons.In terms of hate speech I believe the responsibility to be less tolerant since not all groups on campus might feel they are able to speak out against intolerance for their group. Good examples are international students who do not feel they have the same freedoms to speak as Americans do.They should be more tolerant, because universities should be a mature, open community on what individuals have to say.Yes, I believe that a University is a place for exploration. Unfortunately, I believe it has become a place where antagonizing is more the norm and traditional values are frowned upon.It should be more tolerant because it allows people to speak their truth and reality.More.Universities have always been a ground that promotes rights of speech. However in times of war there should be a limit to what people say…not!!!—Juan GarciaTotally. Universities are the institutions of initial learning so I believe either catches it young or it will kill u. It is easier to control it at this point then let it blow out of proportions.No, they shouldn’t be more tolerant of speech that might be offensive to others.Yes universities should be tolerant. Thins is the time in life when people discover themselves. You need to support what we say, and then ask, ‘why do you feel that way.”—William SarosyBoth students & universities should be more tolerant.Being offended by something causes new thoughts and different perspectives by all parties included. Universities should promote full speech as much as possible.More tolerant because they have the power to teach us how to express ourselves properly.Tolerance is a great attitude to have. I think we should all be tolerant of speech, until it becomes a hate speech. Historically, hate speeches, lead to hate crimes. There should never be tolerance for crimes, especially dealing with oppression! “Your silence will not protect you!” I love Kristi.No public institution should have independent, arbitrary controls over speech within its premises.They should allow us to speak freely, however, offensive language should not be allowed.Tolerant? Accepting who defines what is offensive? Everyone should be able to say what they want as long as they understand others may disagree and that’s okay. There can speak, others can protest peacefully or respond peacefully.—Q.P.S.Yes they should because some people might get offended and some might not, but respect everyone’s feelings.Institutions should be less tolerant more than ever, because times are changing and individuals are getting bolder. Meaning that people will say almost anything without feeling remorse or regret if it should offend anyone. Also, students do not pay thousands in tuition only to come to school and hear someone speak out of order and cause discomfort.Universities have a huge responsibility to facilitate free speech- and then talk, talk, and talk about it.When it comes to offensive speech, it’s hard to say. If a person or persons are saying things to purposefully cause problems and be hateful, then universities should not allow such behavior. It’s fine to have free speech as long as no one is feeling threatened or unsafe. If the free speech cause A MAJOR PROBLEM, then the university should find a way to handle the issue so that free speech is not stopped but voiced differently.—Shebra MooreI think we need to consider the difference between expressing a view on an issue and a personal or cultural attack. The first promotes dialog, the second anger, hurt and division- for me that’s an important difference to consider.—VickyI believe that the university should be less tolerant of speech that may be offensive. As American’s, we pride ourselves on being a “civilized people”. We are suppose to be accepting of diversity, extending generosity, love, peace, etc… Yet, we are so quick to harm others with our words (in the name of free speech). The wisdom of this thing is—we may not always agree, but we respect one another. Give respect to get respect of Human Life.No, freedom of speech is a right. No one should be punished because they express how they feel.Yes, non-tolerance on freedom of speech on universities breeds students who are ignorant and merely sheep. Bad things happen. The truth hurts. As long as it is intellectually standing and in an appropriate manner, freedom of speech in colleges, universities is the only way.I believe that universities should be more tolerant just more cautious about those who want to say anything that might offend citizens.
This is about so much more than ‘putting up with’. It’s not about tolerance at all. It is the responsibility of the university to promote, encourage and even insist upon free thought and speech. We don’t have to agree, but we must respect each other!I agree.They should be more tolerant. It is a critical place to learn…without complete free speech you take away from that.I think they should help “teach” acceptance by learning about our differences and in learning about them help all to find how much we are alike (inside) regardless of color, race, religion, etc.No! Simple…creates diversity.Universities should be more tolerant, because they should always think of the greater good of all students!!Everyone has the right to speak their opinions. The university cannot regulate what is said. However offensive context should immediately be reported and seriously considered. Offensive content should not be tolerated.I think universities should be less tolerant. People are to say what they want. But we should still be sensitive.I believe there should be boundaries, but they should also be reasonable.I don’t think it’s a matter of tolerance, as much as I think we should/need to be professional and accepting of each other and speech.I believe the university should be more tolerant to some speech. They all must be suitable for school and others should be left at home.I think that the university should be more tolerant, and think in such a way that is does not affect the student’s progress.I believe people need to learn how to word what they say. Everything can be said it a tasteful way.
Universities of all places should be hotbeds of debate, argument, discussion, dissent, dialogue, and FREEDOM OF SPEECH. The wish to clamp down on speech that may hurt someone’s feelings is worthy of a totalitarian society, not America. Telling people that they must never offend anyone may be sound advice foe small children. College students are adults. Speech codes ought to be consigned to the dustbin of history, along with other Stalinist relics.—Paul StrebyThe University should be a harmonious atmosphere where students come to learn. Anything that inhibits this and creates animosity between individuals should not be tolerated, including free speech.—Rana A.I am not sure that UMF can be more tolerant than it already is.Out ability to have many different points of view batted around is what allows us to flex the muscles of democracy! With out this we would be whimps, just like any totalitarian government you might think of. –Laura Frieson-LynnI believe that we all have a right to express ourselves. But, we need to understand that expressing one’s self should not come to the detriment of others. If we all learned to communicate how we felt and what we feel in a civilized manner our points can be gotten across and have the influence we want.
Universities should be more tolerant because it is the perfect environment for people to become educated through discussion. When discussions spark, people become less ignorant of situations and more open towards other views.—Abrar JondyUniversities should have venues to debate, because there must be discussions at intellectual institutions.
