The atmosphere at Fordham University is rife with coercion and self-censorship, at least in terms of Ann Coulter’s canceled speaking engagement.

The Fordham University College Republicans invited Coulter to speak on Nov. 29, but then rescinded the offer following student outrage and a mass email of condemnation by Fordham University President Father Joseph McShane.

In the email, which was published by Fordham’s school paper, McShane wrote about his disappointment “with the judgment and maturity of the College Republicans” and called Coulter’s rhetoric “hateful.”

Regardless, the Fordham University College Republicans should have stood their ground because the definition of “good” and “bad” speech should not be up for public vote and our leadership should not set it.

The virtue of any idea is subjective. If we carry on this way, the public or elites could deem valid solutions to a problem “bad,” and through self-censorship — like that exemplified by the Fordham University College Republicans — we might never find the solution.

But more importantly than the issue of finding a solution, McShane directed everyone on campus to turn against the Republicans, saying “I fully expect our students, faculty, alumni, parents, and staff to voice their opposition, civilly and respectfully, and forcefully.”

Apparently losing the election was not enough — until students, faculty, alumni, parents and staff rally against one of our commentators with solidarity, the task is not done.

Fordham students established a Twitter feed, @StopAnnCoulter, to protest the canceled event, proving it is possible to limit free speech in 140 characters or less.

Ironically, they cited Coulter’s “misogyny” in a petition against her, but tweeted at Bill “Palin is a tw*t” Maher for help, saying “My university is sponsoring an event featuring Ann Coulter with OUR tuition money. Can you RT our petition?”

Maher is apparently too busy maligning right-wing women and has yet to retweet.

Regarding money, we can understand the liberals’ indignation because they are used to being on the administrative end of taking other peoples’ money and spending it in frustrating ways.

The Fordham University College Republicans wrote an apology letter, asking the university community to “forgive the College Republicans.” Fordham University is a Jesuit school, so there are likely confessionals on campus. Problem absolved.

In the letter, the Fordham University College Republicans said they rejected Coulter after “determining that some of her comments do not represent the ideals of the College Republicans.”

If this is true, they should quit and join the College Democrats. Coulter’s rhetoric is enjoyable. For sure, she says some things that many might disagree with strongly, but such is the nature of free speech.

Watching leadership rally the public against a law-abiding political commentator and the public reject the free exchange of ideas is far more disturbing than anything Coulter might say.

Michael Stikkel is a junior computer engineering major. His column appears weekly. He can be reached at mcstikke@syr.edu.

Published on November 14, 2012 at 1:00 am