Twelve UC Berkeley professors have sent a letter to chancellor Nicholas Dirks asking him to step in and cancel an appearance by conservative pundit Milo Yiannopoulos. The talk is being sponsored by the College Republicans, who are facing severe backlash over the invitation.
http://www.dailycal.org/2017/01/10/uc-berkeley-professors-request-cancellation-milo-yiannopoulos-talk/
Obviously, these 12 professors don't know the first thing about free speech though they say they do. I also note that one of the signers, Judith Butler, is a prominent anti-Israel speaker around the country. I have heard her speak at UC Irvine on the topic. She should know better than anyone that just because some disagree with your positions and think you are offensive doesn't give them the right to stop you from speaking. Unfortunately, this is the mentality that is all too prevalent in academia.
If you think Milo Yiannopoulos is offensive, don't go to the event. You won't be offended. If you choose to go and try and engage in back and forth with him be prepared to be offended. Maybe you will succeed in offending him. It's all covered under the First Amendment. Read it sometime.
And give a copy to those 12 professors who sent the letter.
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