Western’s slogan speaks louder than words. “An equal opportunity university” is an appealing catchphrase to some, but the slogan embodies something more meaningful than the tagline we see on university letterheads. Those who are familiar with the diversity of opinions found throughout campus know that Western’s marketplace of ideas spotlights the outspoken nature of our university.

But where is the line drawn?

A Western student was recently banned from the university’s online forum after posting a thread that read, “There is no such thing as rape, just surprise sex.”

But looking beyond the extreme obscenity of this comment is the dark, mostly controversial question of free speech—a right most Americans are thankful for. But unless people push past the invisible boundaries the First Amendment sets, there will be no further conversation about something considered taboo.

Such a heavy topic should spark conversation, not reject it.

While slander and provocative language must be discouraged, we must be weary of the slippery slope that comes with restricting speech.

This post did not incite violence between anyone and was not directed toward any particular person, and therefore should not have been removed.

Removing the post not only bans the actual user, but it bans the rest of our community from any further discussion about an issue that is rarely talked about—an issue that should be talked about.

Those who use the term rape lightheartedly would benefit greatly from such discussion. Ignorance will only be remedied through discourse.

The guidelines to Western’s forum were not specific enough for users to understand just how close the forum was going to be monitored.

Transparency is crucial when an action, such as a user removal, is made. Such eye-opening comments will make this young, experimental forum a place where the always-outspoken community at Western will speak its mind.

The Editorial Board is comprised of the Editor-in-Chief Brynn Regan, Managing Editor Ashley Mitchell, Opinion Editor Dan Balmer and community member-at-large Simon Davis-Cohen.

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