Got my local college to let a controversial speaker come after a year of trying

I spent 12 months pushing our small town community college to let a guy talk about free speech on campus after they banned him last fall for being too political. A few faculty members finally agreed to let him use a room after hours last week and 80 people showed up. Has anyone else had luck negotiating with admin like that or did I just get lucky with timing?

3 comments

3 Comments

miller.avery21d ago

I used to think blocking those speakers was the right call, honestly thought it kept the peace. But seeing 80 people show up just to hear a simple talk kinda flipped my view. Sometimes the pushback itself is what draws the crowd.

roberts.jordan21d ago

Yeah but that "curiosity" thing cuts both ways. If nobody showed up, those speakers get zero attention and move on. 80 people showing up just gave them a bigger platform than they deserved.

miller.avery21d ago

80 people for a "simple talk" says more about the curiosity that blocking creates than anything else.