The opposition of The State News to ASMSU’s funding of a campus appearance by David Horowitz is surprising given the paper’s supposed commitment to free speech and campus discussion (“Why him?,” SN 2/19).

Horowitz is a controversial conservative speaker and not everyone will agree with his positions on affirmative action and reparations.

This is exactly why the campus needs more speakers like him and why it is a wise use of ASMSU’s resources to bring him to campus.

A college campus is supposed to be a place where open and free debate and discussion of ideas is welcomed as an essential part of the learning process.

Speakers such as Horowitz may not be popular, but their lectures can serve as the starting point for further discussions between students and their peers and instructors.

As difficult as it may be to hear a speaker you disagree with, it is far more difficult to get the full collegiate experience without challenging yourself and what you think about the key issues of the day.

The State News seems to think that only popular speakers with “mass appeal” should be funded. Perhaps a series of lectures by Tom Izzo would entertain our campus community without offending - or teaching - anyone.

The students who really want to learn can always travel 60 miles to the southeast for some real debate, discussion and education.

Scott Szymendera
political science graduate student