It is with some sadness that I announce this will be my last column in The Volante. Because other endeavors will demand more of my time and attention, I must cease these occasional writings.
I have greatly enjoyed writing and working for The Volante. Despite my excess in years to each of my Volante colleagues, every one of them has taught me something new about journalism, academics and life. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be associated with one of the finest college newspapers in the United States.
However, before I disappear from this newsprint, let me voice one more opinion.
Your voice, your opinions, your involvement are vital to the strength of this college community. Despite the disgustingly low level of
discourse that was witnessed in the comments section of The Volante website with regards to the USD Veterans memorial protest by a member of the Students Against the State, it was evidenced on Monday afternoon that civil discourse could be had on this campus.
Students from both organizations and all across the campus came out and listened to a forum on the First Amendment. The panelists all agreed, and it seems to be the widely held view across campus, the manner in which the protest was conducted was deplorable, but the right to protest what was said should not be infringed, nor should there be repercussions against the protester.
The consensus also held, that in order for this issue to move forward and for productive civil discourse to exist, each side must respectfully listen to the other side’s position.
I am optimistic that the student body at USD can properly engage in civil discourse, and I am hopeful that repercussions will not be levied against the protester. Furthermore, I believe everyone will move forward through this controversy having learned some valuable lessons. However, I fear that students will be fearful and choose not to speak out for what they believe in.
It cannot be said that the protester has been censored or silenced. His voice has been personally represented on The Volante website and numerous supporters have taken up his cause and voiced their
opinions.
However, the personal attacks and generally hateful rhetoric on both sides of the issue may be enough to marginalize certain voices, and because of such retaliation, most who want to speak out will decide to keep to themselves for fear that they will be publicly exiled.
This is no way for the First Amendment to exist at a liberal arts university.
Last semester I made the calculated decision to express my views on a problem that seriously affects the law school and the students within. Despite many e-mails supporting my decision to make the drinking culture a public issue, my presence in the law school was not always warmly received.
However, because of that column, there has been substantial conversations about the issues of drinking and mental health among law students and in the legal profession. There has been action too.
The Student Bar Association recently sponsored a Mental Health Week, which brought the issues front and center. I will continue to work for and demand that more be done, but for now I am satisfied that the positive effects of my speaking out far outweighed the negativity I faced immediately following the column’s publication.
This campus needs more people voicing their opinions and standing up for the issues that matter; without such activity the marketplace of ideas is dead.
What is your cause? What are you passionate about? Who on this campus deserves a voice, a voice you could lend them? Do not be afraid, speak out, even if your opinions seem unpopular.
If the last week has taught us anything, even the most unpopular opinions on this campus have supporters. Do not be afraid to take a stand. It is your right and your civic duty to voice your concerns.
While students at a liberal arts college there should be no better practicing ground for exercising your right to speak freely and without repercussions for doing so. I urge each and every student not to let these years and this opportunity simply pass you by. You, your cause and our community will be better off for it.
Reach columnist David Whitesock at David.Whitesock@usd.edu.
COLUMN: Some final words about free speech
Published: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 22:04
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