Despite its placating claims, the editorial board clearly does not understand that Bernie Machen retains his right to political expression.
Few of the points raised in Wednesday's editorial would withstand honest scrutiny. Labor unions, politicians and even newspapers regularly endorse candidates just before elections. There was nothing unusual about Machen's timing.
And suggesting that he should keep quiet out of fear of retribution comes awfully close to championing censorship.
Worst of all was the idea that a university president is somehow wrong to share his opinions just because his students might not like them. Remember: the Constitution guarantees more than just a person's right to cast a vote.
It also protects his right to defend himself in the public sphere.
