WABI covers free speech panel discussion

WABI (Channel 5) reported on a free speech panel discussion featuring University of Maine faculty, staff and a student. The panelists spoke about how free speech has changed over the years and what rights students have when it comes to speeches, protests and more, WABI reported. Kirsten Daley, a student panelist, talked about encouraging students to reach out and push for resources and support. “Giving a voice to both the student perspective and the administrative perspective, those are very important, and I think they often have a very big disconnect, so being able to get them in the same room I think is a good step forward,” Daley said. Part of the event included a discussion about the differences a public university faces compared to a private university, especially when outsiders come on campus to promote ideas others find hateful and offensive, the report states. “I hope the takeaway is you can have a civil discourse and absolutely disagree and agree to disagree and keep having the conversations that are important to have, not only for themselves but for everyone around us, and to create that culture of civil discussion,” said Kenda Scheele, assistant vice president for Student Life at UMaine.