Yale Believes In Free Speech—and So Do I

The same Yale administration that did nothing in the Halloween costume incident last year now claims that it is all for free speech. Note the exclusions in his statements:

“Yale does not censor invited speakers, nor does the administration discipline faculty members or students for the expression of ideas, no matter how unpopular.”

  1. He doesn’t say who they invite. Of course once invited they can say what they want.
  2. He doesn’t mention that unorthodox expression can result in lack of tenure or promotion for faculty and staff. That keeps a firm muzzle on free speech.

“In the course of all the events and discussions of the past year, the Yale administration did not criticize, discipline or dismiss a single member of its faculty, staff or student body for expressing an opinion.”

  1. He did not say that he would support faculty expressing unpopular views either, such as the teacher who resigned, undoubtedly under heavy pressure.

I find this sort of disingenuous proclamation a bit self serving and pompous. I wish he would be honest and admit to past failing and say we are working to change things. That might actually mean something.