Free speech, ‘civility,’ and how universities are getting them mixed up
When someone in power praises the principle of free speech, it’s wise to be on the lookout for weasel words. The phrase “I favor constructive criticism,” is weaseling. So is, “You can express your views as long as they’re respectful.” In those examples, “constructive” and “respectful” are modifiers concealing that the speaker really doesn’t favor free speech at all. The targets of free speech never think it’s constructive or respectful. Quite the contrary. So now here’s Nicholas Dirks, chancellor of UC Berkeley…
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by Michael Hiltzik, The Los Angeles Times.