Proper Essay Example About Protecting Freedom Of Expression In Campus – Summary

In his writing, “Protecting Freedom of Expression in Campus”, Derek Bok speaks about a challenging situation with which Harvard University is faced, as some of its students are exhibiting symbols of their pride that are offensive for others. The hanging of the Confederate flags inside the campus has ignited intense controversies over the freedom of expression versus offensive speech that harms vulnerable groups. Bok sides with the members of Harvard community who consider such acts as offensive, yet he takes a balances approach on defending the First Amendment that guarantees the freedom of expression, proposing alternative measures to reduce its negative effects on vulnerable groups.
Bok’s essay treats two controversial topics that coexist within Harvard University’s campus. One refers to the freedom of speech, guaranteed by U.S. Constitution through the First Amendment. According to this, everybody has freedom of expression, regardless of the fact that it might be disturbing for particular groups of individuals. The second topic that the article discusses is the demand for mutual respect, reflected by the affected students who requested the removal of these symbols. While this request voices the ethical principle of avoiding harming the many in the benefit of few, it nevertheless rejects the democratic value of the freedom of expression.
Bok proposes alternative solutions to deal with the insensitive forms of expression. One would be ignoring such manifestations of the freedom of speech, arguing that they will fade out if they are treated with indifference. Another solution that Bok proposes is for the affected groups to openly discuss with the perpetrators of such messages, educating them on how such messages harm them and persuading the perpetrators to stop exposing offensive symbols. Bok considers that this second approach could generate long lasting effects that can foster a supportive and sensitive community.
Bok’s writing presents a balanced approach about the freedom of expression. While he reflects his subjective views that displaying offensive symbols represent insensitive and inappropriate acts for the students of Harvard University, he confirms that such communications are protected by the First Amendment. In response, Bok advices the offended individuals to ignore such communications or to persuade the perpetrators to stop expressing them.