A Tennessee legislator has argued that free speech on college campuses should even include recruiting for terrorist organization ISIS.
WRKN Nashville reports that Representative Martin Daniel advocated for allowing ISIS to recruit on the campus of the University of Tennessee, as well as the campuses of other state universities.
The bill, called the “Tennessee Student Free Speech Protection Act,” is sponsored by Daniel and aims to promote freedom of speech, whatever form that may take.
Democratic Representative John DeBerry Jr. questioned Daniel on how far the bounds of free speech should extend:
“Should someone be able to stand in the marketplace, or in the town square at the University of Tennessee, University of Memphis, Murfreesboro, Cookeville, Austin Peay, and recruit for ISIS?” asked DeBerry.
“Yes, so long as it doesn’t disrupt the proceedings on that campus. Yes sir. They can recruit people for any other organization or any other cause. I think it’s just part of being exposed to differing viewpoints,” responded Daniel.
DeBerry countered that “Free speech is one thing. Being stupid is another.” He went on to say that “There are young people who are not ready yet. They’re half-baked, half-cooked, who are recruited to work against their own parents, their own nation, and I would be concerned as a parent and as a citizen.”
The bill has been taken off review after the exchange between Daniel and DeBerry.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: March 18, 2016
