(Cross posted at
"For Our Futre.")
A group of student activists recently
disrupted an anti-immigration speech at Columbia University. Progressives should immediately distance ourselves from this kind of behavior. It is both anti-democratic and hurtful to the progressive cause.
Free speech is a basic freedom cherished by the vast majority of Americans. It is the basic foundation of a democratic society. We cannot have important debates about the future of the country without a broad sharing of views. No one should be prevented from speaking, no matter how despicable we may find their views. Progressives can win on the power of our ideas--we don't need to shut down our opponents.
Students should also recognize that conservatives will use their actions to justify silencing progressives. They are viciously anti-democratic and they will use any excuse as pretense for abusing power. We must deny them this tool by allowing them to speak. We can confront their politics with reason and rationality. Shutting down speakers only hurts our cause.
Finally, it should be clear that these kinds of actions turn students away from progressive ideas. Very few people like bullies. We aren't going to win new allies by silencing our opponents. Students want to be allowed to hear a variety of viewpoints and then make up their own mind. I am confident that they will find our ideas better--but we should let them hear both sides.