Islam on Campus is an important advocate for the vast majority of the Muslim population who can and have been unfairly blamed for global terrorism. For years, this group has attempted to promote sensible dialogue.
However, neither they nor Ms. Telles-Irvin should expect an apology from the UF College Republicans. Free speech is protected whether it is polite or not. I doubt the university would officially admonish a student group that impolitely advertised a film about the sins committed by the Catholic Church or, say, President Bush.
In addition, it is important to note the statement "Radical Islam Wants you Dead" may be politically incorrect, but it is true nonetheless. Free speech itself is being threatened.
Of course, innocent Muslims have in turn been victimized by retaliatory actions. But in this case, no one was endangered by the film or its advertisements. We are, however, all put at risk by the terrorism and murder glorified by radical Islam. To deny this or sugarcoat it is irresponsible and dangerous.
Neither the College Republicans nor anyone else should feel intimidated by an administration that is afraid of contentious debate. Student groups on campus must continue to speak their minds, whether the administration likes it or not.
