You're taught from a young age that the United States has been a trailblazer for democracy and free speech. Yet now that you're old enough to vote, what kind of democracy have you been left with? Are bought campaigns, the suppression of minority and young people's voting rights, and gerrymandered elections really the democracy you were promised?
With their proud tradition of academic freedom, universities, at least, were among the last bastions of democratic values in an increasingly bleak landscape. Now they, too, are under attack. This is why I encourage you to attend Gene Nichol's talk tonight at 8 p.m. in Appalachian State's Schaefer Center.
– Last February 27, the UNC Board of Governors—all 32 of whom were appointed by the current legislature, and 29 of whom are registered Republicans—voted to shut down Nichol's Poverty Center because of his activism.
Make no mistake: Nichol's sole crime was his choice to speak his mind on matters of public concern.
If this is not the kind of university—or democracy—you want, please attend Nichol's talk on Sept. 10.