Readers react to an article about the free speech rally hosted by the WSU Young Americans for Liberty on Wednesday. The rally was held in response to the sit-in last Friday during which students demanded the university come up with a policy to clearly define hate speech and free speech. The rally drew in students who debated and expressed their thoughts on a microphone set up at the event.

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Nick Crain: “I’m confused by what the objective is for this? Those who had the sit-in want a clear definition of the differences between hate speech and free speech as a means to what end?”

Angel Aurora Satarose: “It wasn’t by the alt-right, but I have to say, hate speech is speech, but there’s a difference between hate speech and free speech. Hate speech is bullying someone else to make them feel small and helpless while stating your opinions of them. This technically is part of your free speech, but not a right to hurt others with your words like hate speech does.”

Shawn Siebold: “Hate speech is still free speech. You’re not exempt from the consequences of said speech. But you are still protected by the First Amendment to say anything you want. Just because you find it offensive does not make it ‘hate’ speech.”