While many were offended with the presence of the Warnecki family in the front of the Willard Building last week, the bigger issue that relates to this event is censorship. The family of eight travels around the country promoting their message that following the word of Jesus is an alternative to attending college and starting a career. The point that this family was engaging in speech that was offensive to many students walking by is not reason enough to censor that speech. A number of other groups or individuals organizing events on campus have, at one point or another, offended someone.

It would have been a bigger problem if the university had tried to stop this family from speaking. This would have forced the question, where should the line be drawn between allowing free speech and prohibiting offensive speech?

There were claims that the Warneckis' preaching bordered on harassment, but the university had no way of knowing that ahead of time. If speech does cross the line, then that is something that must be dealt with after it becomes a problem. The university can't simply forbid any events or speech that it thinks might possibly be offensive or harassing.

The Warneckis singled out passing students a lot more than other similar presentations. Because of this strategy, many felt that the family bordered on harassment and did not belong on university property. But the area in front of the Willard Building is designated by the university as a free-speech zone, along with locations such as the Allen Street Gates and the Old Main steps. That policy must be honored, and therefore, all speech must be allowed in those areas, even if it is not popular or offends some students.

The university did what it could to control the situation. Administrators and police officers were monitoring the area and were there if at any point the Warneckis' presentation had gotten out of hand. The bottom line is that the Warneckis did not use the best tactics to get their message across. Offending students is not the way to get them to buy into one's argument. Yelling and offensive speech does not give an open forum for a healthy discussion of morals and religion.

While some do not agree with what the Willard preacher discusses on a daily basis, he gives students an opportunity to participate in debates. The extreme measure that this family used to express their point of view was not one that students relate to. The way they used offensive language makes people want to not take their message seriously. Even though many people complained about and were offended by the Warneckis' presence, the family ultimately had the right to express their beliefs.