This week Saint Louis University dealt a hard blow to the free exchange of ideas by canceling a student sponsored speech by conservative activist David Horowitz. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time that SLU has dealt a blow to free speech on its campus.
We have long held that the freedom to invite and hear speakers of one's own choosing is an "inseparable part of academic freedom." Unfortunately, Saint Louis University has chosen to ignore that fundamental underpinning of education.
But Saint Louis University's problems go beyond this one incident. Though the university's mission statement purports to create "an academic environment that values and promotes free, active and original intellectual inquiry" they maintain what appears to be one of the most restrictive policies on outside speakers in the nation.
Student groups are directed to ensure their speaker's views are consistent with the mission of the University and must secure approval of their faculty advisor. Any speaker deemed "controversial" is only permitted with the approval of Campus Ministry and Student Life.
When policies like these leave the campus open to some and not others they destroy the free exchange of ideas that defines higher education.