The Cost of Free Speech on Grounds

With Virginia’s elections just around the corner, certain political debate topics have become commonplace among UVA students and Charlottesville residents. For example, the proposed constitutional amendments presented on the ballot concerning safeguards on abortion, same-sex marriage, and felon voting rights have sparked significant controversy while also inviting the opportunity for diverse perspectives to be introduced to the conversation. 

As we witness the world of American politics become more intertwined with the social realities we come across in our everyday lives, we must ask ourselves: in what ways can we reasonably, fairly, and ethically engage with controversial issues? Have popular social perspectives influenced the emergence of an unhealthy attitude towards controversial opinions when engaging with others of opposing views? 

The First Amendment to the Constitution protects our right to free speech and to practice our beliefs without fear of government intervention. But have we reached a point in history where we, as fellow democratic participants, are seeing the suppression of others’ ability, through indirect means, to publicly share their perspectives? In recent years, several student groups on college campuses, including several UVA organizations, have faced significant challenges exercising free speech on Grounds.