Lauren Douda
The current issue of free speech is something that is concerning to students.
When three Clemson employees were recently dismissed for social media remarks, the news traveled fast. Some students felt the University was right to act, seeing the comments as harmful to campus values. Others worried that disciplining speech — even speech many dislike — sets a precedent that could impact open expression. The debate captures the dilemma playing out at Clemson and colleges across the country: how to protect free speech while maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.
When interviewed, several students claimed that they felt that “Clemson University has a responsibility to discipline students and faculty for what they say, but firing them may not have been the right move.” Many felt that free speech is incredibly important on campus to maintain an environment where everyone feels heard and respected.
For students, the stakes feel especially high. Social media has essentially become both a megaphone and a minefield. A post meant as a joke among friends can be screenshotted, circulated and judged by thousands in a matter of hours. Digital footprint is something that is incredibly real; something you said in middle school could come back and impact your ability to get a career. That visibility creates pressure.
Some students who were interviewed admitted they often hold back from posting political or personal opinions, not because they lack convictions but because they fear the long-term consequences. On the other hand, some other students reported that they do feel perfectly comfortable sharing their opinions online and on campus, because they feel that Clemson has fostered a safe environment — even if they wished to remain anonymous for these interviews.
Numerous students feel that Clemson has a responsibility to discipline those who step out of line. Words carry weight, and what some dismiss as “just speech” can create a campus climate that feels exclusionary or unsafe. For these students, the issue is not about silencing others but about ensuring their own right to belong and participate fully in campus life.
Clemson faculty members are caught in the middle. As a public university, Clemson has a legal duty to uphold free expression. But it also faces pressure from alumni, parents and the public to act when speech appears harmful. The challenge is that policies often seem vague, and enforcement is inconsistent.
Many students have claimed that they vehemently disagreed with what the professors at Clemson said against Charlie Kirk, “no one should celebrate another’s death.” At the same time, the line between free speech and harmful speech can be blurry, and it’s difficult to say whether or not Clemson University made the right choice. That uncertainty leaves students unsure where boundaries lie and heightens distrust between students and administration.
This problem is not unique to Clemson. Around the country, universities and even the media are struggling with the same questions. A comment that might once have been forgotten can now go viral. The permanence and reach of digital platforms have raised the stakes dramatically, leaving little room for mistakes or second chances.
Still, Clemson has an opportunity to model a better approach, to let students and faculty know what is and isn’t right to say. Clearer guidelines would give students confidence about what is, and isn’t, punishable.
After all, college is not just about earning a degree; it is about preparing students for citizenship in a diverse and democratic society. That requires both the courage to speak and the humility to listen.
Lauren Douda is a sophomore English and secondary education major from Lexington, South Carolina. Lauren can be reached at [email protected].