War on campus The escalating battle over college free speech

[sarisataka]

Free speech came to fisticuffs before alt-right white nationalist Richard Spencer could even begin his speech at Auburn University.

Students encircling the brawl said a Spencer supporter began jawing with an antifa, or anti-fascist, protester over Spencer's right to speak. A punch was thrown. The men spun through the crowd, swinging fists and grasping for headlocks before thudding to the ground.

It was over in seconds with both men in cuffs -- one of them bloodied -- and carted off to jail.

Auburn had tried four days earlier to cancel Spencer's speech Tuesday night. But a federal judge forced the public university to let him exercise his First Amendment rights.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/20/us/campus-free-speech-trnd/index.html

[HoneyBadger]

1. They really ought to host this stuff at sports venues

Better security, easier to televise, can broadcast the high points, instant replays, referees, it is a win win.

While the onlookers watch from the VIP suite and nosh on sushi and king crab.

[winetourdriver01]

2. Free Speech

It is important that all sides can be heard. Having said that, the Anti Fascist feeling in the SF Bay Area is very strong, the right wing knows this, and they use it to score political points.

[HoneyBadger]

3. Of course, but why host on a campus

There are infinitely better venues. On open field with elevated seating and ample parking strikes me as ideal. Or theatre stage. Or the desert like Coachella or Burning Man.

A lot of those people (all sides) traveled for the experience.