Racism on College Campuses

I think that this behavior is completely out of line, it can be considered a hate crime. This crime can be punishable by law but it is obvious that these students do not understand the implications of what they were doing. These young adults have not grown up in a time when real racism was alive and well. They didn't live through the 1960's they don't know about the struggle. So not only should they be punished by the university but they should be forced to take a class that will help them fully understand the ramifications of their actions. They should be educated on the struggle of African Americans and why what they were doing was completely offensive. I researched Colorado Colleges speech codes because that is my number one choice at the moment. I was surprised to find that they actually restrict a lot of behavior. I understand why physical and emotional harassment can be banned but I don't really understand why they are restricting certain speech. CC also does not allow demonstrations on campus without prior approval by the college this policy is effectively taking away the right of free speech for the students. Considering the kind of college CC is they would definitely try to expell students who were involved in those kind of parties. CC prides themselves on being a very politically correct campus but by doing this they are restricting free speech for their students. A college needs to educate their students on racial tensions and not just restrict them, if students understand what they are doing is wrong it is more likely to stop them than being arrested would. In my mind I think that both FIRE and the colleges are right in their own ways, parties that make fun of racial stereotypes should not be allowed but at the same time punishing people for making a racist comment in class should not be allowed. It would be much better to educate that student rather than force any kind of punishment on to them. Students who decide to make offensive comments will likely be shunned by fellow students, so instead punishing them it would be much better for everyone if they were educated on the subject instead

Students First Amendment Rights