Is That Legal?

Doesn't it trouble you that there is a fine line between the right to free speech and the judicious timing of anti-gay almost-hate speech on a national coming-out day for gay people that was crossed by the scheduling? Wasn't this just asking-for-trouble-scheduling by the University? Why not schedule the anti speech for another date and time? Why did they want it so badly during another group's event day?

No, I don't believe anyone has the right to throw things at people who are talking freely in a university (or other) setting. I think the behavior was bad. But I think it was a set-up that could have been avoided with separating the dates of the anti speech from the celebratory or supportive tone set for the day.

This goes on all the time at campuses, and the response is always similarly skewed.

Sue, are you suggesting that Guerriero's talk was "anti-gay almost-hate speech"? I have a little trouble believing that, given his position and organization, and the account of his speech given in the linked articles doesn't seem to support such an interpretation. Maybe I'm misreading your comment, if so please clarify.

I would argue that the harrassment was because he was gay, and as such it is entirely objectionable. If it were any other Republican speaker, even on speaking on issues of sexuality, I strongly suspect that the activists would have stayed home.

Yes, I'm a liberal. One of those silly ones who think that talking to people and listening to people, particularly ones in interesting and awkward positions like the Log Cabin crew, is much more productive than wasting pie and fire department time.

Careful, there! You're sounding suspiciously reactionary all of a sudden!

I will repeat my axiom: The left may hate the center and center right, but the real vitriol is reserved for people who should, presumptively, be on the left, but who have become heretics to the left's causes. Nobody is more hated by the left than Log Cabin Republicans, Black conservatives, or former leftists.

Wrong, Al, from my perspective, at least. While I hate the far-right with a passion, I think the Log Cabin and other types are mostly just dumb or selfish. Selling your soul to the devil is more forgiveable than being the devil oneself (said by an atheist).

There is nothing at all surprising about this incident. It is clear that American University campuses are very hostile to a free exchange of ideas and are extremely hostile to any viewpoints that are not from the extreme left. They are very insular places.

Well the whole situation is a story looking for an angle, isn't it?

Whoah. I'm not comfortable with the idea that because activists protested Guerrerro's speech with a pie and fire alarm that this is a matter of academic freedom. I'm tired of people always trying to cast dissent as censorship.