How to Address Campus 'Bias Incidents' Without Restricting Free Speech

Ask yourself: What do you consider to be a "bias incident" that you encounter in your daily life? Is it an insensitive remark about another person's culture or nationality? Is it a comment during a political conversation that could be construed as racist or sexist? Is it a viewpoint that opposes another person's religious beliefs?

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, the speech you are referencing is most likely protected by the First Amendment. Yet at too many colleges and universities, the same expression can -- and does -- subject students and faculty members to censorship and punishment. Such discourse may be unpleasant and off-putting, but campus community members should use their own voices to respond, not call for disciplinary action and the silencing of others.

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