By snoadmin
As ignorant as hate speech can be, it still falls under our right to free speech.
Associated Students Inc. is discussing a resolution against House Resolution 35. HR 35 is a state resolution that targets reducing anti-Semitism on university campuses.
If HR 35 is passed, it will force public universities like Cal State Long Beach to condemn acts of anti-Semitism on campus and restrict public resources from being used for any anti-Semitic reasons.
With Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza, many human rights advocates have been vocal with their opinions against some of the country’s recent acts. They are trying to raise awareness of what is going on in Israel.
However, can disagreeing with what Israel is doing be considered anti-Semitism?
No, it cannot.
HR 35 does not specifically disseminate what is considered anti-Semitism. It would handcuff human rights advocates who are trying to voice their opinions on happenings in the world, happenings that we should all know and care about.
If speaking out against Israel on a college campus would be made illegal, then how would anybody know of the injustices going on?
We understand what this resolution is trying to do. It is trying to protect those who are victims of the unforgivable words of hate speech.
With the situation that arose in Libya when a hate-filled YouTube video resulted in the loss of a life of a U.S. ambassador, it is understandable to want to squash offensive material that could harm the well-being of others.
However, this is not the way to do it.
Making sure all students and faculty know the consequences of hate speech and anti-Semitism would be a better way to resolve this problem.
Maybe creating a general education requirement to educate students of the harms of hate speech and how to be tolerant towards others would be a way to go.
If HR 35 passes it will greatly, affect free speech in all facets across college campuses.
If one group is quieted, who’s to say another one should be quieted as well? Anybody can call anything offensive these days.
With HR 35 honing in on a certain type of speech, it purposely distorts the playing field. Hopefully the state will listen to us and allow us to keep our voice.
