A right, but still wrong

Freedom of speech is one thing, but saying you want to "... shoot that n____ in the head" is another.

That's what happened at N.C. State a couple of weeks ago after Barack Obama won the presidential election. Four students painted those words and others in the university's Free Expression Tunnel. So I created a discussion forum on our Web site Triangle.com that asked whether the students involved should be punished for exercising their right to free speech. As you can imagine, the responses varied. You can read the comments and comment yourself at share.triangle.com/freespeech. Since this is a column, I'll give you my take.

You can't expel the students, (which NCSU hasn't). What would be the reason? They used a tool (the tunnel) that the university provides for free expression. Obviously I think the students are, well I can't print what I think they are, but you get my point. But it's their right to feel that way.

I admire the Rev. William J. Barber II, the head of the state NAACP, for wanting to make sure this kind of stuff doesn't happen. But action has to come from N.C. State. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People can't run in and try to save the day anymore. People don't respond to the group as they once did.

N.C. State Chancellor James Oblinger has to man up and take action similar to the way the NAACP has, meaning he needs to show a sense of urgency about the situation. He should lead the charge against this kind of free speech -- not to change the students' opinion, but to teach them and others that some words and actions could be perceived as hateful and are not tolerated at NCSU.

I didn't get that feeling at first. Oblinger must think about all the prospective students who want to attend N.C. State but are unsure whether N.C. State wants them. Racist remarks in a tunnel and nooses made of tissue in bathrooms aren't your typical ways to welcome students.

One student who painted the remarks on the wall issued an apology, and the others also expressed remorse in a statement released by an N.C. State spokesman. In an N&O story Thursday, Oblinger said the students understand that their behavior was hurtful and offensive. I hope they do. Unfortunately this won't be the last incident like this. Bet on that. My question, though, is why do some people, black or white, do such things in the first place?

Log on to the Web site and join the discussion. I'm interested in what you think.

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