Business Report Publisher Rolfe McCollister attended Gov. Bobby Jindal’s recent prayer rally on the LSU campus, called “The Response,” and says it exemplified the unmeasurable value of free speech in our society.
“It was a day on which many different views were expressed in a very civil manner. That day on the LSU campus there was a prayer rally, a pro-life march, protesters, and forums on gay and lesbian issues,” writes McCollister—who sits on the LSU Board of Supervisors and is a Jindal supporter—in his latest column. “It seems appropriate that a college campus would be the site for such diverse views and expressions. Isn’t that what tenure was created to allow—not to mention our First Amendment to the Constitution?”
McCollister says he was perplexed, however, by a group of LSU faculty members who petitioned the LSU president to deny the event from taking place on campus.
“[They] tried tried to deny others free speech on the campus while most of them cling tightly to their tenure and expect to be protected if others disagree with their views,” McCollister writes. “But this is America, and I will respect their right.”
While the event drew controversy and protest, McCollister says he admires how LSU President F. King Alexander handled the situation.
“His experience in such matters was evident. While everyone on campus that day did not agree, they all had a chance to be heard,” McCollister writes. “And that is what makes America the greatest nation on earth.”
Read the full column, in which McCollister also touches on President Barack Obama’s recent State of the Union address. Send your comments to editors@businessreport.com.
