Alternative To Speech Codes

In this cartoon depiction it shows the difference in student attitudes from the past and the student attitudes in the present. In the cartoon, it depicts that in the past students cared for matters that were for the good of society. However, next to the students from the past are the students who are currently attending college; the present students are shown as fragile and selfish individuals. The cartoon properly demonstrates the extensive difference between the students from the past and in the present; it shows the maturity and understanding nature of the college students in the past compared to students that are currently attending college. As a result of shielding students from offensive mannerisms and controversial topics it produces
Universities have the responsibility of teaching students new material that they are not familiar to and the students’ responsibility is to learn and interpret those ideas. The alternative to speech codes is education. If students are taught and informed about matters like offensive language and controversial topics they would have an understanding of how it can affect others. However, what if the violence breaks out because there are no speech codes that can regulate what a student can and cannot say? On many campuses there are already free speech zones where students can express their thoughts, but provided in a previous example verbal violence occurred between the religious speaker and the female student. Is this why the speech codes were created; to prevent students from acting in violence? Speech codes are the very thing that can cause violent reactions. Speech codes are used to restrict students however it is not educating students to do the right thing. Speech codes are also applied to most environments on campus even though in many circumstance they are not needed. Instead of solely restricting students from offensive speech on campus and in lecture school should educate students about offensive speech instead. The reason why educating students about offensive speech is important is because by educating the students the university will be avoiding any future conflicts between students. “Instead of learning that voicing one's opinions invites silencing, students would be taught that spirited debate is a vital necessity for the advancement of knowledge. And they would be taught that the proper response to ideas they oppose is not censorship, but argument on the merits” (Stone and Creeley Para. 11). Educating students uncomfortable topics is important for their