I don't agree with the recent preaching outside the Willard Building, but I do believe in free speech. Apparently free speech is OK so long as it doesn't offend the listener. You weren't forced to listen to the preachers, you weren't forced to believe them, and you weren't prevented from attending class and furthering your education. In addition, the cause of the LGBTA was furthered because of this discussion. The group rallied together and, along with students that were not members of the LGBTA, joined in force to speak out against this preaching group.

The paradox of free speech is that one person can think and say whatever they desire no matter who the words may offend. Today you are offended that the preacher spoke his mind. So, tomorrow a law is passed that all preachers cannot speak their mind, their religion or their opinion in public, or in this case, on campus. The next day a law is passed that no one can speak their mind, their religion or their opinion on campus. What happened to free speech? I may not agree with what was said by the preacher, but I'm not for silencing him for fear of what it leads to in the future.

I am proud nothing more than words came from this, and it did not lead to violence. It may have lead to something even better, a central voice and additional help to the LGBTA cause on campus.