I do not agree with the student protest last night on grounds. But they have the First Amendment right (which Jefferson would have supported) to do so in a non-violent manner. Maybe the tarp was over-the-line, but this surely wasn't vandalism. There was no permanent (or even semi-permanent damage). This was a peaceful protest for some to express their political views. It was free speech.

But there are people on this board who attack this fundamental right. They want the kids who participated punished by the University. Others advocated violence against those who wanted to remove the Jefferson statue. Maybe these posters were joking, but words matter (just look at the Kathy Griffin example).

This is punishing people for their political ideas. The slippery slope is obvious and likely coming soon; some posters will want to punish students for run-of-the-mill liberal views. This is disgusting and not American and both Republicans and Democrats should stand against this.

I worry that there are two different free speech standards in America. The KKK is given full free speech protection (as they should) but liberal groups are punished for their views. We should all unite for free speech.