While we may not agree with what Meyer said during the events of Sept. 17 we should, as Voltaire said, "defend to the death" his right to say it.
Meyer has since stated that, in retrospect, his "issues are not so important that [he needs] to shove them in anyone's face." Nothing could be further from the truth in a society that values the freedom of expression. Is this the sentiment UF seeks to instill in its student body regarding the value of individual ideas?
At one point in our nation's history, wearing black armbands in opposition to the Vietnam War was deemed too disruptive for the school district of Des Moines, Iowa. Students were suspended for the practice until they capitulated to the school's policy.
In 1969 the U.S. Supreme Court stated in its landmark decision of Tinker v. Des Moines School District that neither students nor teachers "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate."
While such solemn demonstrations still hold a place in public discourse, it may be necessary to shove our issues in the face of the public in order to effectively address the ills that plague society. For this, we should never be made to fear retribution from those who disagree.
While Meyer may pursue a policy of appeasement in exchange for a promise from the State Attorney's Office and the university for a return to normalcy, UF students must resolve to never again allow the state or its educational institutions to abridge our right to express our concerns or outrage, no matter what the cost.
