Angry reactions to sermons disregard freedom of speech
I am writing this as a response to those who harassed the preacher at the HUB earlier this week.
I was a witness to your intolerant, ignorant behavior. I saw you standing close enough to qualify as physical harassment, in an obvious exercise of intimidation and threat. I heard you scream like a petulant child who does not yet possess the intellectual ability to view and understand the world from a perspective other than your own, that this man step down and "SHUT THE F--- UP!" I also saw those sitting around and supporting the real preachers of hate with their laughter and photo requests.
You are so threatened by beliefs, which do not align with your own, that you resort to the degradation of another human being. Even more despicable, you justify and disguise your hate under the principles of freedom, the right to free speech, and the oh-so-admirable concern that classes were being disrupted. That's funny because the last time I checked classes were not held outside, in front of the HUB.
Free speech is a right in this country, but it is not your right to impede the freedom of others. If you are so threatened by those who hold differing beliefs, move to a country where freedom of speech is not recognized or move to a community where everyone thinks exactly like you do so you never have to reflect on or challenge your beliefs.
Emily Bell
senior-security and risk analysis
