Hentoff’s position on Brown University’s expulsion of Douglas Hann is a reasonable one. He persuasively argues against the expulsion. Hentoff starts by describing the event that resulted in the expulsion. Then, he describes the expulsion itself. After that, Hentoff describes Vartan Gregorian’s role in the expulsion. He then goes on to describe the …show more content…
The editorial supports Brown University’s expulsion of Douglas Hann. It begins by explaining the “complex mission” of a university. It goes on to briefly describe the event that led to the expulsion. After that, it describes the expulsion itself. Lastly, it discusses Gregorian’s letter and gives a final thought on the topic.
In addition to the editorial was Gregorian’s letter to the editor, to which the piece was also a response. It starts with Gregorian stating that “Brown University has never expelled anyone for free speech, nor will it ever do so.” Then he states his morals concerning free speech. After that, he discusses the university’s code of conduct. He ends the letter with some final thoughts and states a goal of the university.
In his letter, Gregorian states that he is committed to free speech. However, he has yet to show it. Freedom of speech is essential in maintaining a free society. The right to express one’s thoughts and to communicate freely with others supports the dignity and worth of each member of society. It is a stepping-stone in the attainment and advancement of our knowledge. All points of view, even those that are “bad” or “socially harmful”, should be considered with all other facts and ideas to test one’s own conclusions against or for