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Naira Yegikyan
English 104
Essay 3
10/3/2015
Codes of Conduct and the Freedom of Expression
Freedom of speech is in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. It gives
individuals the right to express their thoughts and beliefs without persecution. There are
however, a few exceptions to this rule, generally, these exceptions take in the form of
defamation, false statement of fact, incitement, blasphemy and many more. These are set in place
in order to keep people from unlawfully causing damage to someone’s business, reputation,
legitimacy and so on. There are however gray areas to these rules. Many of these cases are taken
to court in order to pass new legislation over the given isolated incidents.
Such legislation is deemed necessary in order to keep public order. At times, these
regulations are set forth either by local government or by the Supreme Court. I disagree with
Bok’s statement regarding freedom of speech. ” I have difficulty understanding why Harvard
should have less freedom of speech than a public university.”First of all, Harvard University
should have a strict policy when it comes to freedom of speech. Harvard is one of the most
credible and respected institutions in the United States, so they should have firm grip when it
comes to regulating different codes of conduct. These strict guidelines keep the students at bay
and prevent unnecessary provocation within the different groups of students. In the majority of
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possible cases where defamation, slander or any other form of speech can cause turmoil amongst
the many different groups of individuals in the institution, these regulations essentially protect
the institution from possible lawsuits. Even though these restrictions may seem unfair or
unnecessary, sometimes, these restrictions protect both the students and the universities.
Bok is a strong believer when it comes to free speech the expression of one’s ideals. ” Under
the Supreme Court’s rulings, as I read them, the display of swastikas or Confederate flags clearly
falls within the protection of the free – speech clause of the First Amendment and cannot be
forbidden simply because it offends the feelings of many members of the community.” ( Bok 70)
I find this statement to be alarming in many ways. Let’s say for example Harvard has a small
group of white supremacists who believe strongly in their extremist ideals and agendas. They
