Hamilton, like any institution committed to the free exchange of ideas, invites to its campus people of diverse opinions, often controversial.... We expect that many of those who strongly disagree with Mr. Churchill's comments will attend his talk and make their views known. This is the process of both academic freedom and freedom of speech.Today, we get:
We have done our best to protect what we hold most dear, the right to speak, think and study freely. But there is a higher responsibility that this institution carries, and that is the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and the community in which we live .... I have made the decision to cancel this event in the interest of protecting those at risk.Hmmm... the First amendment must be upheld above all, except, oops, fear. So much for principle.
What a disgusting spectacle coming in and around the world-shaking vote in Iraq, where where husbands and wives went to the polls separately so that should one be killed their children would still have a parent. People risked death and some got it in expressing their democratic rights. And Hamilton College is afraid.
Heh, Hamilton, you who so love the First amendment (except that nasty bit about free assembly when it comes to fraternities): try out the Second amendment for a change if you really mean to defend your free speech. Or is it not so free, after all?