A chilling effect on free speech

[jcfiala]

So, apparently yesterday the NYU Objectivist club was going to be having a presentation titled "Free Speech and the Danish Cartoons." However, about a day before it was going to happen, they were pulled in and told - either the event would be closed to non-university people, or they couldn't actually show the cartoons they were going to display.

In violation of its own policies, New York University (NYU) is refusing to allow a student group to show the Danish cartoons of Mohammed at a public event tonight. Even though the purpose of the event is to show and discuss the cartoons, an administrator has suddenly ordered the students either not to display them or to exclude 150 off-campus guests from attending....

This is apparently in violation of NYU's usual policies, and something I'm really finding offensive. The group had their meeting, with the cartoons on-stage, but covered up. It's interesting that at a university, they didn't have the freedom to talk about freedom of speach... Because apparently in America you're not allowed to speak anymore if it might offend someone.

Links:

• NYU Surrenders to the Heckler’s Veto in Mohammed Cartoon Dispute


• Seemingly Troubling Behavior from NYU


• Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy

Comments

[wtimmins.livejournal.com]

It's been said often, but sounds like another cue to quote from the great printer:

'Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.'