As I previously mentioned, my first year in college has been the first time I was aware of Free Speech Week. The University of Oklahoma put effort into organizing events and making statements to raise awareness for the week. Historically, there are many examples of when college campuses have been centers for free speech. I talked to one of my peer mentors, Chris Firch, to unpack the role free speech plays in a college education.
Chris did not participate in any of the campus-sponsored Free Speech Week events, but he is aware of it. He feels comfortable speaking his mind freely, and he expressed to me his appreciation for the rights we have regarding this. During college, the things we learn help grow this respect. Chris gave me a recent example from his own life.
“I’ve been watching these North Korea documentaries which made me appreciate the blessing of free speech in our country.”
Chris has witnessed several instances of free speech during his time on campus. He has seen protests on the South Oval ranging from topics like pro-life and pro-choice to the conflicts in Palestine.
“I would say the reason we go to college is to educate ourselves on real-world issues,” he reflected. “The right to protest and speak freely on the south oval really encourages free thought.”
As a campus tour guide, Chris has had to explain this to visitors to OU’s campus. Whenever a protest or activist event is occurring while Chris is giving a tour, he does not shy away from mentioning it.
“Even if it can be polarizing at times…it’s important to value knowledge and hear the different perspectives.”
This is all part of the college experience.
“Adults have their minds made up a lot more clearer than college students do,” Chris explained. “Freedom of speech is so prevalent here in college…it’s the first time we can experience so many backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.”
As college students are exposed to so many different perspectives, they also have the opportunity to access quality content to help shape their interpretation of the world around them. Whether it is hearing from professors or student government leaders, learning from literature and textbooks, or staying caught up with campus and global news, college is full of opportunities for accessing quality information. All these aspects contribute to another freedom that is firmly dependent on freedom of speech.
“Freedom of thought…[it] is so valuable. Freedom of knowledge and actually getting accurate information is so powerful.”
Keep an open mind. Be a lifelong learner. These are important lessons that extend far beyond our time in college, and they will allow us to celebrate free speech every day of our lives.