Civil Discourse Column: A Response to BC’s Free Speech Rankings
Aidan Quealy
Boston College (BC) embodies rich traditions of student activism, but as recent trends reveal, institutional memory seems to fade with each passing graduating class. Events like the 1970 sit-in at Gasson Hall or the 2017 march in support of Black Lives Matter paint a picture of a vibrant BC, where students rallied for justice. However, as noted in FIRE’s latest rankings, BC now falls significantly short in protecting free speech, raising concerns about our collective silence. Are we apathetic, or do we lack the means for meaningful expression? Our obligation as a Jesuit institution compels us to confront uncomfortable truths and speak out for justice.
Simon Sanders
While the tranquil atmosphere of BC is oft-praised, it masks an ongoing tension in how free expression is managed. The recent pro-Palestinian demonstration highlighted this struggle—lengthy approval processes turned what should be spontaneous expressions of solidarity into bureaucratic hurdles. Reasonable restrictions can foster order, but when students must seek permission to speak, we stray far from the ideal of free speech. The experiences at BC suggest that altering administrative protocols, such as adopting the Chicago Statement on free expression, could empower students and encourage a more authentic campus dialogue. It’s time we allow our voices to resonate freely, embracing the Jesuit call to engage genuinely with social justice.
