Setting Limits and Guidelines
Should “offensive” forms of speech be censored or protected, when on a university campus? According to Derek Bok’s essay, “Protecting Freedom of Expression on the Campus,” the answer would be the latter. Bok argues that once a small form of censorship is introduced, it would only be a matter of time until more severe limitations are enforced (Bok 70). Although his reasoning can be deemed logical by many, once examined there are three undeniable faults that arise. First, he appears to have overlooked the intelligence and maturity level of a university student. Secondly, the time needed to set limitations would be surpassed by the amount of time and energy needed to reason and correct an offender. Lastly, if the …show more content…
This awareness should include differences in cultures, thoughts, morals, politics, etc. It is understandable that a possible lack of understanding, of the prior, can lead to an unintended insensitive act; with guidelines and reasonable censorship this can be avoided. Furthermore, Bok believes that such censorship will not make an individual more compassionate towards others; it will simply lead them to “test the limits” (70). In reality, censorship can create a sense of awareness in the student. This newfound awareness can lead the student to the realization of how certain acts can be deemed offensive, enabling them to correct the situation at hand, thus becoming compassionate towards the offended. Many students are also too overwhelmed with balancing schoolwork, jobs and just about every other aspect of their lives, to deliberately “test the limits” and have time “to find other ways to irritate and insult” (Bok …show more content…
Furthermore, Bok seems to contradict himself by suggesting that school officials reason with the offender and educate them on the effect of their actions; considering that more time will be wasted if the officials have to stop and investigate every time an “offensive” act is done. The university should take the necessary time to define what is considered an “offensive” act on campus and set up guidelines and limitations. Of course, it will be a tedious job initially, but with regulations, many students will know what type of conduct is tolerated and what is not. Many students will abide by the rules, to prevent themselves from getting into trouble. Establishing clear conduct expectations will in the long term benefit the university, the students’ individual growth and their academic experience. The major aspect Bok did not take into consideration in his argument, is the possibility of a negative learning environment created by the “offensive” acts. His second offered solution of, “it would be better to ignore them” (Bok 71) will not help the situation, or the offended for that matter. The process of ignoring an issue and letting it sort itself out, will not be successful in a learning environment. The offense can weigh heavily on the offended, leading to further distractions and possibly even fear. Once fear
Should “offensive” forms of speech be censored or protected, when on a university campus? According to Derek Bok’s essay, “Protecting Freedom of Expression on the Campus,” the answer would be the latter. Bok argues that once a small form of censorship is introduced, it would only be a matter of time until more severe limitations are enforced (Bok 70). Although his reasoning can be deemed logical by many, once examined there are three undeniable faults that arise. First, he appears to have overlooked the intelligence and maturity level of a university student. Secondly, the time needed to set limitations would be surpassed by the amount of time and energy needed to reason and correct an offender. Lastly, if the …show more content…
This awareness should include differences in cultures, thoughts, morals, politics, etc. It is understandable that a possible lack of understanding, of the prior, can lead to an unintended insensitive act; with guidelines and reasonable censorship this can be avoided. Furthermore, Bok believes that such censorship will not make an individual more compassionate towards others; it will simply lead them to “test the limits” (70). In reality, censorship can create a sense of awareness in the student. This newfound awareness can lead the student to the realization of how certain acts can be deemed offensive, enabling them to correct the situation at hand, thus becoming compassionate towards the offended. Many students are also too overwhelmed with balancing schoolwork, jobs and just about every other aspect of their lives, to deliberately “test the limits” and have time “to find other ways to irritate and insult” (Bok …show more content…
Furthermore, Bok seems to contradict himself by suggesting that school officials reason with the offender and educate them on the effect of their actions; considering that more time will be wasted if the officials have to stop and investigate every time an “offensive” act is done. The university should take the necessary time to define what is considered an “offensive” act on campus and set up guidelines and limitations. Of course, it will be a tedious job initially, but with regulations, many students will know what type of conduct is tolerated and what is not. Many students will abide by the rules, to prevent themselves from getting into trouble. Establishing clear conduct expectations will in the long term benefit the university, the students’ individual growth and their academic experience. The major aspect Bok did not take into consideration in his argument, is the possibility of a negative learning environment created by the “offensive” acts. His second offered solution of, “it would be better to ignore them” (Bok 71) will not help the situation, or the offended for that matter. The process of ignoring an issue and letting it sort itself out, will not be successful in a learning environment. The offense can weigh heavily on the offended, leading to further distractions and possibly even fear. Once fear