Controversy over free speech continues at UWL

The policy is clear on paper. But not so much in practice. The UW La Crosse policy on free speech reads in part, “UWL encourages and protects diverse perspectives, the free flow of ideas, and open discussion . Constructive engagement with differing perspectives in a climate of free inquiry is essential to the pursuit of knowledge.” It further reads, “Encountering new, different or opposing perspective can be challenging and uncomfortable; this is a necessary feature of the UWL educational experience.” Given that the University, according to its own policy, values and protects free speech, it is ironic that a speech on campus last year by a porn star got the UWL Chancellor in hot water. Chancellor Joe Gow was reprimanded by the President of the University System for inviting former porn star Nina Hartley to campus to talk about sexuality and the adult entertainment industry. The letter by System President Ray Cross said “while I understand and appreciate your commitment to freedom of expression and public discourse, you need to exercise better judgment when dealing with matters such as these. Basically, free speech is ok as long as I agree with it. Now, in an effort to avoid such controversies, Gow is appointing a committee to decide who to bring to campus to speak. Let’s hope this committee remember that free speech is a good thing, and needs to be protected, even if it makes some people uncomfortable.