Re: Try telling them they have no authority to prosecute

So, this group is demanding (among other things):
"Additionally, we want a public commitment from the Clemson University Administration to prosecute criminally predatory behaviors and defamatory speech committed by members of the Clemson University community (including, but not limited to, those facilitated by usage of social media)."

Clemson is a public university. Besides the fact that a university has no authority to "prosecute criminally," it should be an environment where free speech is fostered. Obviously there are social consequences to a persons statements and actions, but for a university to take an active role in limiting speech would not only (likely) violate the Constitution but would take away a large part of what a university is all about. If you're not faced with views you disagree with (or are offended by) during college you will not be prepared for the real world or know how to think critically of opposing viewpoints.

deweather

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but as a matter of free speech?

Jan 16, 2015, 4:00 PM [ in reply to Here's the thing ]

from snopes:

Many of those posting angry comments to Duke University's Facebook wall labored under the impression the institution was favoring Muslim traditions at the expense Christian ones. That claim is not true: Duke's Chapel calendar revealed that during the week in which the initial Muslim call to prayer was announced, a number of denominational services were scheduled. Among them were no fewer than seven Catholic masses (three on Sunday), several adult Bible Study meetings, Christian Sunday school, an event called "Godly Play" for young children, and "Midweek Prayer." A mission statement on the Duke Chapel's site explains:

Christian traditions are well represented, so you could argue that there is already an allowance being made for one religious group, so as you say, "universities should treat all religious groups equally." The move was also largely symbolic, as explained here:

"Duke University Chapel in Durham Christy Lorr Sapp explained the move was aimed at promoting inclusion on campus in light of an increased level of hostility toward Muslims"

Orr goes on to explain,

Yet, at Duke University, the Muslim community represents a strikingly different face of Islam than is seen on the nightly news: one that is peaceful and prayerful. This face of the faith will be given more of a voice as the Duke Muslim community begins chanting the adhan, the call to prayer, from the Duke Chapel bell tower on Fridays beginning this week. It will be chanted by Muslim students prior to the jummah prayer service that takes place in the chapel basement each Friday afternoon.

This opportunity represents a larger commitment to religious pluralism that is at the heart of Duke's mission and connects the university to national trends in religious accommodation.

Perhaps, too, this small token of welcome will provide a platform for a truer voice to resonate: a voice that challenges media stereotypes of Muslims, a voice of wisdom, a voice prayer and a voice of peace.

Yet, Christians denounced the plan (this is where free speech issue comes in) and Duke officials make mention of that intolerance in their statement on stopping the initiative,

In the face of biting criticism from conservative Christian evangelist Franklin Graham, Duke University [has] dropped its plan to let Muslim students chant a weekly call to prayer from the Duke Chapel bell tower.

"Duke remains committed to fostering an inclusive, tolerant and welcoming campus for all of its students," Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs, said in a news release. "However, it was clear that what was conceived as an effort to unify was not having the intended effect."

I think this issue is a good one to gauge people's belief in free speech.

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Issue with a "See the Stripes" demand

Try telling them they have no authority to prosecute

Unfortunately, I think the free speech ship has all but

These people need to be punched in the jejunum.

Am I the only one who things that eventually somebody is

The problem with these type of people is simple

Communism is great...if you are in charge.***

What are your thoughts on Duke and the Muslim prayer?***

Haven't seen that story, link?***

Re: Haven't seen that story, link?***

Here's the thing

Except for the fact that Duke is a private university

but as a matter of free speech?

Holding religious services and blasting a call for prayer

What if....and this is just a what if here....

They moved the call to prayer from the chapel to the quad

I'm sure Duke has rules limitiing noise and such

Same rule would apply to broadcasting it from the chapel

Yeah I mostly agree with this

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