by afagen

Freedom of speech is the right to express one’s self. By expressing your opinion, your morals, beliefs and background are exhibited. This expression characterizes people as distinct individuals while strengthening their creativity, values and influence on others. Nevertheless, a person’s influence, or rather, vocal opinions may offend the populace. Even so, is it right to stifle freedom of speech in order to create the illusion of a perfectly uniformed society?

For tertiary level schools, colleges strive to become like Ivy League Universities; even if it means controlling a person’s rights under the banner of suppressing future upheavals and the degradation of society, diplomatically. Consequently, lower tier schools still insist on imitating the Ivy Leagues, spreading the belief that suppressing freedom of speech is necessary on campus. Students who do not obey campus rules are given demerits, expelled and/or used as deterrent.

Enrolling in college is a privilege not a right. For many to be cast aside from failing college leads to several social stigmas as well as severe feelings of rejection, imperfection and inferiority. Thus, students are forced to relinquish their rights of: free speech, freedom to practice religion and peacefully meeting together to demonstrate. Students who comply with school policies with little to no demeanors receive additional points towards their GPAs. Theoretically, these students, over a period of time exhibit habitual behavior and a way of life is created, becoming robotic.

This new collegiate ‘program’ defeats the purpose of going to college. Essentially, obtaining a college education represented a reinforcement of students’ communication system while exposing them both to a new way of learning. Going to college also meant becoming emotionally and financial secure while ensuring the continued success of each student’s country of residence. Nonetheless how can college students improve society and frame a better future when they live in fear of bigotry and failure?

If schools continue to yield to the desires of censoring speeches on campus, they run the risk of altering courses, closing minds, limiting the ability to learn, grow and experience on an international stage leaving the students oblivious to various important social issues. The future generation will be less intelligent than their ancestors creating a stagnant society. As well as portraying a failing tertiary educational system and a possible upheaval from the pressure of authorities. The students of today will be the clones of tomorrow.

Alternatively, although censorship is necessary for protecting the rights of certain groups, a distinction needs to be made. Realistically, this accomplishment is more difficult than it appears as the “little” adjustments to society could lead to further demands and uniformity. By controlling a person’s ability to state their opinions, you remove their self-awareness and identity. Subsequently, with no ability to protest, the authorities can take advantage by taking away other human rights.

Censoring speech is a complicated situation as there are many variables involved that can impact the future generations. If schools persist to succumb to the desires of special interest groups, they run the risk of narrow-mindedness, segregation and a distraught society.