The University of Wyoming's decision to ban William Ayers from speaking on campus has spurred discussions about free speech and academic freedom. Last week, Ayers and a UW student sued the university, claiming the ban violates the First Amendment right to free speech. Ayers, a former 1960s radical, is a professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago.In a WyoFile guest column, Ayers says he sees the cancellation as an indicator of the crisis in American higher education.
He writes:
"Anyway, there is something much greater at stake here than some small speech I might have delivered to 75 students. As campuses contract and constrain, the main victims become truth, honesty, integrity, curiosity, imagination … freedom itself. When college campuses fall silent, other victims include the high school history teacher on the west side of Chicago or in Laramie or Cheyenne, the English literature teacher in Detroit, or the math teacher in an Oakland middle school. They — and countless others — immediately get the message: be careful what you say; stay close to the official story; stick to the authorized text; keep quiet with your head covered. Oh, freedom."What do you think? Did the university make the right decision? Or should Ayers have been allowed to speak at the University of Wyoming?
Yes they did. Mr. Ayers has the right to speak in any forum that the people who want him to speak pay for. Since he is already scheduled to speak in Laramie the use of our college is nothing more than a ploy. The law suit is another way for him to get his name in the paper. I will not donate to UW if they allow him to speak on campus but I willing give to help with the cost of the suit.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't stand for a public trial years ago so why should he be allowed to do as he wants at a public university today.
ReplyDeleteI think the university made the right decision. Bill Ayers belongs in jail for his Weather Underground activities...
ReplyDeleteHello...??? Missing the point here ?? FREE SPEECH. Period, paragraph, end of America as we know it if we deny ANYONE their right to talk. Nobody said you have to listen, or agree, but Ayers has the right to talk, just as all Americans do.
ReplyDeleteIf UW really wants to call itself a University, it must be based on the free and open exchange of ideas -- Ayers included. Ayer's activities and 1960's rhetoric are not really that much different from the 'call to arms' advocated by contemporary Tea Party activists. I am a UW graduate, Wyoming resident, AND I sent a check to Meg Lanker to help support her courage to take on a tough issue.
ReplyDeleteYou bet , Fred , right along with Cheney .
ReplyDeleteWake up people. Heck NO he shouldn't be allowed to speak at UW. The University made the correct choice definately. As a parent of a UW student, I will pull my child out of that University and they will not receive one more dime from me or donations in the future if they bring Ayers to that campus to speak. Some of you people who commented earlier - get a grip on reality. And . . Meg Lanker well she's a joke and those of you who agree with her are too.
ReplyDeleteI will gladly support the UW in fighting this case - financially or any other way. Ayers only cares about himself and his way of thinking is disgusting and UW students should not have to hear his ignorant and arrogant speeches.
ReplyDeleteWyoming parents bring up their children with good values and with the ability to be independent thinkers and to make their own decisions on right and wrong and good and bad -- holding to those values. Why was there such concern about bringing Mr. Ayers to Wyoming, given the way Wyoming raises their children? Agree that Mr. Ayers has the right to speak just as anyone else does -- AND that people have the right to listen or not, and the right to speak in agreement or disagreement.
ReplyDeleteOne of my daughters went to University of Wyoming, the other to Colorado State U and am proud of each. Both are doing very well with solid values, that include respect for personal opinions, and neither can understand why Wyoming would not let Ayers speak on campuss. Allowing diveristy of ideas is what a University education helps develop. Let Ayers, or Cheny, at UW as often as their schedule permits -- let the students learn to evaluate ideas rather than accepting the views of their parents --- thats part of becoming educated.
ReplyDeleteBan Bill Ayers and let's burn some books too!
ReplyDeleteThe moment the teaparty starts to actually carry out a bombing campaign is when a legitimate comparison can be made. Yes UW made the right decision.
ReplyDeleteI really find this interesting. The "Anonymous" writers verbally sparring with each other are simply venting steam without substance. Now is the time to let others who we are and what values we defend. As for the University, I think they took the proper stand. I am disappointed that they did not come to the same decision in the beginning rather than allowing public pressure to influence them. My problem was providing an admitted and unpunished felon such as Bill Ayers with a platform to deliver his radical philosophy. A seditious traitor has no place hiding behind the First Amendment. A little remorse on his part would be nice!
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech means exactly that - you are free to say what you wish, when you wish and where you wish. That freedom, however, does not extend to "freedom" to look for a public institution to validate your radical viewpoints. Ayers can stand on a street corner and say what he wants. But, he can't wrap himself in the values established by the very Constitution that he wants to destroy and expect those values to legitimize his radicalism. His double standard should not be used to coerce the university into continuing the bluff that he is a patriot when he is really a subversive.
ReplyDeleteMr. Ayers should not speak at any college or university. He is a devout socialist and communist. His ties with the Weather Underground spells that out perfectly. Let the traitor of America spout off his "vision" of what America should be on a street corner. Read more info on this guy before you give him his first amendment.
ReplyDeleteAMEN. Maybe some of us "real" americans should give Ayers a taste of his own medicine. He was a piece of shit back then, today and always will be. He will get whats coming to him someday and on that day I will laugh.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the many right wing knuckle dragging Neanderthals LOST and FREEDOM OF SPEECH WON. You all can retreat back to your caves now and await further riot baiting instructions.
ReplyDeleteHow about comments on the content of Ayer's speach? I found his discussion of education to be excpetionally important at a time when we are finding in so inviting to do away with teachers and move toward "vitual classroom."
ReplyDeleteThis post is now closed to new comments. I think there's been enough anonymous name-calling.
ReplyDelete