In a (quite refreshing) interview with Reason’s Nick Gillespie, Chapman University President Jim Doti says he’s more concerned about free speech on college campuses than with students’ feelings.
“Free speech is not about being sensitive,” he says. “Free speech is having the courage of one’s convictions and belief in free expression that one can say anything.”
“We need to get over being sensitive to this and having our feelings hurt.”
Free speech on college campuses is more restrictive now than it was 20 years ago according to Doti, who has served as president of the private school near Los Angeles since 1991. To him, the open and free expression of ideas is one of the most important values of higher education.
However, in today’s college environment there are ever-increasing restrictions on speech, especially speech that can be perceived as insulting or discriminatory. Schools across the country are coming out with new rules and guidelines to eliminate “microaggressions,” which are words or actions that unintentionally discriminate against others.
Doti told Reason that this movement is driven by increased sensitivity from everyone – students, faculty and outside actors.
“I think it’s a general symptom of increasing victimization, where people feel that they’re victims of some kind of social stigmatization,” he said. “And as a result you have to be very, very sensitive.”
Doti recognized the positive aspects of today’s culture when it comes to issues like bullying; although, he still believes schools should favor free speech over feelings.
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