Derogatory comment crossed the line (Collegian)
We, the Collegian editorial staff, sincerely apologize for having printed an inflammatory comment last week that contradicted everything in which we believe: tolerance, acceptance and the limited opportunity for freedom of speech. John Swanson's use of a derogatory term for homosexuals simply should not have been published, and we are sorry for having hurt and offended so many of our readers as a result of our lack of sufficient vigilance. "
Can't find the original piece (Did they take it down?). It be nice to be able to read it to put the remark in context. I sent them an email about this and have not heard back. According to one of the letters to the editor the slur he used was "limp-wrists."
The following line makes me a little nervous, though: "Kudos to those who have voiced the idea that freedom of speech should not remain unchecked, and here's to a continuing effort to get a handle on the evasive line that divides liberty and indecency so that the Collegian can strive to be the best possible voice of the students.
They clarify when they write:
We are committed to work toward publishing diverse opinions from diverse people and groups on campus. However, students' right to exercise their freedom of speech using our paper [my emphasis] as a vehicle is by no means an unlimited one.
For me the issue isn't free speech being checked, but the freedom to use the paper as a vehicle for that speech, which are distinct freedoms. Also, I'd rather see them error on the side of letting people make bigoted comments than on being too restrictive because I'm solidly in the camp that the best way to respond to falsehood is not by silencing it, but with the truth, though I know many good people disagree with me. It also gets people talking about important issues, in this case gay rights, and refutes the idea that bigotry isn't still a problem.
Other pieces:
Spirit piece tragically mistaken, inaccurate
Letters to the editor
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