More and more frequently, we read about conservative speakers being banned from college campuses because of their views on certain hot-button issues. In late February of this year, Ben Shapiro was banned from speaking at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which has been hailed as a respectable university. Shapiro’s event was cancelled, rescheduled, and eventually heavily protested by students who blocked entrance to those who wished to attend the event. UCLA thwarted Shapiro’s efforts to share his perspective, and this should not be so.
Universities are supposed to be guardians of knowledge, not adversaries of it. Though I support conservative principles, I would never encourage my college to ban liberal speakers from sharing their perspective. Prohibiting the free exchange of ideas only hinders the growth of more informed opinions. Many argue that some opinions are hateful and intolerant. At times, this is indeed true. However, there is an emerging trend of placing labels like “hate speech” or “intolerant” on things we don’t like. Our universities are supposed to be safe havens for knowledge, and hindering freedom of speech destroys the purpose of education. Political diversity is needed as much as ethnic, racial, and religious diversity.
Some may argue political diversity isn’t important. However, these assertions are far from the truth. Take for instance the controversy over the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The dilemma is whether congress should keep the ACA, or a similar legislation, or eradicate the legislation. If congress continues the ACA, those insured by the program will be keep their health care, but deductible prices will continue to climb for those previously insured. Republicans and Democrats differ hugely in their opinions on how to go about the ACA. The right hopes to alleviate prices, while the left wants to insure the most people. Political diversity cannot be ignored in regards to our health care predicament because both the economy and millions of lives are at risk.
By ignoring diversity of thought, America risks losing its footing as a world power. Banning speakers like Ben Shapiro from our universities only encourages students to close their minds to differing opinions and instead fosters an increase of ignorance. Recently, businessman Peter Schiff interviewed individuals protesting Wall Street. When he raised questions about the legitimacy of the majority opinion of the crowd, he was criticized for challenging their ideas and beliefs. Schiff was stunned at their unwillingness to show respect for his views. Needless to say, an intolerant group of protesters demonstrates the scary reality that our political and academic leaders are encouraging this developing trend.
The two parties in congress show that their conflicting views do not always align with reality. What happens when our beliefs don’t match up with reality? Do we continue to live in a bubble of lies that washes away at political diversity? Will we continue to allow our public schools to embrace one ideology? Will we continue to allow secularism to dominate the public sphere and religious dogma to hinder healthy discussion of political issues? As intellectuals, we cannot let this one-view dominance define academia and the political realm. The liberal coast needs to listen to the conservative heartland, and vice versa.
I’m afraid if we continue to retreat from challenging ideas, America will no longer be able to hold onto its intellectual leadership in the world. Scripture teaches us the importance of fellowship. 1 Peter 3:15 commands us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” When someone asks you why you believe in what you do, be prepared to defend your position logically and respectfully. Political diversity should and must continue, if we want to remain a country of freedom and intellectual influence. Bill Clinton was right when he said, “great rewards will come to those who can live together, work together, and forge new ties that
bind together.” As pioneers of knowledge we cannot “forge new ties,” without appreciating other points of view.