Campus Disruptions, Disagreement Diversity, and Expression Liberty: A Turn for the Worse

In the past, free speech was seen as the cornerstone of academia, a fundamental right that tenure was designed to safeguard. However, recent protests at colleges and universities suggest a shift away from this view.

This transformation in attitudes towards free speech on American college campuses spans from the 1960s to the 2010s. The period was marked by a growing politicization and activism among students, reflecting wider cultural and political shifts in the US and globally. This transformation was driven by broad social upheavals, including civil rights movements, opposition to the Vietnam War, demands for democratic university reforms, and reactions to political and economic issues.

One of the most notable examples of this period is the 1968 student movements, which challenged traditional authoritarian university structures and called for societal change. These movements led to demands such as trigger warnings, safe spaces, microaggressions, and speaker disinvitations. Some of these protests were under the guise of protecting students from allegedly offensive speech and disagreeable ideas.

The question of whether freedom of speech is harmful to college students is a topic of ongoing debate. This debate has been sparked by the recent student protests at numerous American colleges and universities.

Matthew McIntosh, an administrator with multiple posts, is one of the figures navigating this complex landscape. He maintains a presence on various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky, Threads, Tumblr, Mastodon, Reddit, Pinterest, Messenger, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Pocket, and has a website.

A notable example of this debate in action is the invitation extended to Michael Shermer, a writer for Skeptic Magazine, to give a lecture on the topic "Is freedom of speech harmful for college students?" at California State University, Fullerton.

Despite the controversy and debate surrounding free speech on college campuses, the issue remains a crucial aspect of academic discourse and societal dialogue. The future of free speech on college campuses will continue to be shaped by the ongoing debates and the evolving attitudes of students, administrators, and the broader public.