UWL named one of worst campuses for free speech

When a large group of people gets together, there is always some diversity of opinion. Such is the case with a college campus like UW-La Crosse. Learning that other people see the world differently can be eye-opening. It may lead to a changed opinion, or perhaps a willingness to disagree. That is not possible however, without the right to free speech. Particularly on college campuses, protecting the right to free speech is important to shaping opinion of today’s students. That is a lesson learned the hard way at UWL, where the university Chancellor found himself in hot water over booking a former porn star to speak on campus about the industry and her role in it. Chancellor Joe Gow was reprimanded, and withheld a scheduled raise, after the on-campus speech. His boss, UW System President Ray Cross, handed down the punishment. Which is hypocritical, because Cross has been quoted as saying “perhaps the most important thing we can do as a university is to engage and listen to those with whom we differ.” he went on to say, “without civil discourse and a willingness to engage with different voices, all we are doing is reinforcing our existing values.” Well said Mr. Cross. But why then the punishment for a talk by a porn star? This decision has earned the UW System a spot on the list of the nation’s worst colleges for free speech. Perhaps Mr. Cross should re-read his statements about free speech, or at least amend them to say “free speech is important, unless we disagree with you.”