Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Campus intolerance

A speech by former Presidential candidate and Representative Tom Tancredo at UNC was interrupted and eventually halted by protesters, who disagreed with his views on illegal immigration.

The protesters disrupted Tancredo's talk by unfurling a banner between him and the audience. Shortly after, they broke a window in the classroom where he was speaking. Finally, the protesters had to be dispersed with pepper spray and threats of tasers.

Because of the protests, commotion, and risks to the audience, administrators had to halt the talk.

The protesters actions were disgraceful and wholly inconsistent with the free exchange of ideas that should occur on a college campus. The Chancellor has appropriately condemned the incident. However, he needs to do more and should take steps to remove those responsible for the intimidation and disruption from the campus community.

We learn from considering others' ideas and opinions, especially those views that challenge ours.