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Wrong. MacLatchy, and Laurier, still don’t get it. Not trampling on free speech rights is actually quite simple. It may be unpopular at times, and even difficult in the face of a mob of social justice warriors demanding someone be punished for thoughtcrimes. But the “cure” for unpopular free speech is more free speech, with people pushing back, respectfully but clearly, against points they disagree with. Laurier should try it. The simplicity will amaze them. They might even get used to it.

It is nice to see professors standing up for free speech, but it is depressing they need to

It would seem that some of the school’s professors agree. They have launched a petition on Change.org, calling for WLU to adopt a written declaration that reads, in part:

“Because Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, it guarantees all members of the Laurier community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. Except insofar as limitations on that freedom are necessary to the functioning of the institution, Wilfrid Laurier University fully respects and supports the freedom of all members of the Laurier community to discuss any issue that presents itself.”

This petition (inspired by a similar declaration from the University of Chicago) stresses the importance of civility, and notes that all legal restrictions on speech — threats, harassment, defamation — would be maintained, as would all restrictions necessary to allow university operations to run without disruption.