Letters | US universities should protect free speech, but not at the expense of moral clarity
- Readers discuss the congressional hearing on the rise of antisemitism in US college campuses, Hong Kong’s free Wi-fi service, the challenge facing traditional broadcasters, and the serious consequences of overworking
Furthermore, they should have highlighted the actions they had already taken and what they planned to do, as well as the crucial balance between free speech and maintaining a respectful campus environment where everyone feels safe. They overlooked these essential humane and ethical points in their approach.
Public colleges in the US, which are seen as government entities, adhere to the First Amendment protecting free speech. In contrast, private colleges have more flexibility in speech regulation to maintain a positive learning environment, potentially limiting speech.
Despite the First Amendment not directly applying to private campus conduct, the university respects free speech (even when we fully disagree with the speech) while aiming for a respectful environment. The First Amendment necessitates that oftentimes ugly speech is nevertheless protected, and the job of a university president is to balance the interests of all concerned while respecting even those whose speech is ugly.
The codes of conduct and rules at most universities distinguish correctly between speech and actions. For example, acts such as assault, vandalism, stalking and harassment are all not protected by the First Amendment.
Activists want universities to endorse their beliefs, but we cannot and should not do that.
The university’s main goal is to maintain the highest standards in research, education and conduct to prepare students for lifelong contributions to society and their professional pursuits.
Dr Massoud Amin, former director and professor emeritus, Technological Leadership Institute, University of Minnesota
Free Wi-fi service is good to no one if it’s a dud
The Hong Kong government provides a free Wi-fi service to the public. It is available in many public places, and once you have chosen to connect to it, your mobile device could detect the network where available and connect to it automatically, overriding your own phone network.
This is all very well, especially for visitors in need of Wi-fi connection. But the problem is that while one’s phone will show it has Wi-fi access, in reality it does not. On several occasions when I was out, I got linked to this network without realising it. Instead of providing access to the internet, it cut off access via my mobile data.
The government should clarify what connectivity is supposed to be provided by this free service so that it can actually be helpful.
J. Lau, Ma Tau Wai
Loss-making TVB must make itself relevant again
TVB is facing a significant challenge due to shifting television viewing habits in today’s digital age. This trend is not unique to Hong Kong; it is a global phenomenon. Traditional broadcasters worldwide are grappling with declining viewership and advertising revenues as audiences shift towards digital platforms. The competition for audience attention has prompted broadcasters to reconsider their business models and explore new strategies for survival.
Broadcasters must carefully vet what they offer to ensure quality. While I personally enjoy news and current affairs programmes like Straight Talk and Pearl Magazine on TVB Pearl, there is a lack of noteworthy locally produced content.
The decline of quality English-language programming is also a cause for concern, especially in Hong Kong, which sees itself as “Asia’s world city”. As the city strives to maintain its international stature, having compelling, locally produced English-language programming not only provides a platform for local talent and perspectives to shine but also showcases the city’s cultural diversity and global connectivity.
To remain relevant, TVB needs to figure out how it can better cater to the changing preferences of today’s viewers while preserving the cultural identity and significance of Hong Kong as a global city.
Ilnur Minakhmetov, Jordan
Hong Kong must take overworking seriously
This accident raises important questions about road safety and health. It seems the long hours this man spent at the wheel may have contributed to the unfortunate outcome. Driving for 18 successive hours is an immense strain, and increases the risk of error or loss of focus from tiredness.
As a society, we must consider how to prevent such risks. Regulations could be established on how long drivers can work to reduce the dangers of exhaustion. Companies should also ensure that employee schedules are balanced.
It is also important to consider support for those facing financial difficulties. People who take on multiple jobs to support themselves risk overworking, which can jeopardise their own well-being and endanger others. If people’s basic needs were more easily met through a stable job, they may feel less pressure to take risks just to make ends meet.
Kitty Kei Cho Ki, Kwai Chung
