Our View: Support free speech - even when you don't like it

For years Republicans have complained that liberal snowflakes have taken over the nation's college and university campuses with their safe places, politically-correct speak and elitist and leftist views.

On these campuses, they claim, conservative voices are muted and shunned.

And, in some cases, the claims have validity.

We have repeatedly seen administrations at public universities cave in to demands from liberals and bar ultra conservative speakers - most often those espousing white nationalist views. We do not condone white nationalist views and we find them abhorrent, but, as public institutions, universities should not limit speech - even that of which the majority of the public finds distasteful.

Unfortunately, there are also a number of conservatives who want to limit speech, especially when it is critical of the chosen one, Donald Trump.

These conservatives have had their feathers ruffled in southern Idaho, where students at Wood River High School in Hailey created artwork that is belittling of our current president and praising of former President Barack Obama. One is a representation of Obama's red, white and blue "Hope" campaign poster, and the second is a similar painting of Trump with "Nope" below.

The work is part of a project that has been ongoing since the 2011-12 school year in which students are allowed to paint ceiling tiles in the school's hallways.

The school's principal, John Pearce, told the Idaho Mountain Express that students are allowed pick a subject, create their art and then defend its merits in a presentation to their teachers. The artwork ranges in topic and is not limited to politics.

"These kids are sharp. They have their own ideas - they're not just vessels being filled. They're taking things from their homes, from their communities, and bringing it into the classroom. They can't help but be topical," he said. "We want our students to express themselves - they have that right. We don't quell that. There's space for that in America, and, we think, there's space for that at Wood River High School, as well."

Some, like failed legislative candidate Glenneda Zuiderveld, of Jerome, believe views critical of Trump have no place in school - or society. In a post to Facebook, she wrote the art is evidence of indoctrination. Rep. Christy Zito, R-Hammett, wrote on Facebook, word for word, "Can the school. Call the principal. Call the superintendent. Cal the teacher responsible."

It turns out there are snowflakes on both sides of the political aisle who need their safe places.

Rather than limiting views and insulating our youth from opposing views, we should encourage young students to become politically involved and to politely debate opposing views. Maybe that will help make America great again.