Free Speech on Campus: Protecting Rights Amidst Rising Tensions
Welcome to another engaging episode of "Common Sense Ohio" with your hosts Brett Johnson and Norm Murdock (Steve will be back next week).
This time, we're discussing the ever-controversial topic of free speech, especially as it plays out on college campuses.
But before they get into the heavy stuff, they kick things off with some cool historical tidbits tied to the day's date, marking major milestones from civil rights movements to Mike Tyson's boxing triumph to the invention of the telephone. It’s a neat way to set the stage for a conversation about how far we've come—and what still needs work.
Free speech takes center stage as we discuss the rollercoaster ride it's been on, particularly in American colleges. From "safe spaces" to Hamas rallies, we break down the challenges of maintaining open dialogues while condemning hate speak. We make the case for why we should let even the ugliest viewpoints be spoken—because it helps shine a light on what’s lurking beneath the surface.
We also tackle Trump-era policies and the tricky balance they're trying to strike between keeping speech free and campuses safe. Norm voices concern over extremes, like attempts to clamp down on any speech that criticizes Israel or edges towards supporting controversial groups. It's a reminder that constitutional rights and safety are a balancing act that’s anything but simple.
Switching gears, we chat about reactions to Trump's recent lengthy speech. Picture a hybrid between a policy talk and a comedy show—it’s got a bit of everything. While Trump tries to unite people with stories of American heroes and ordinary folks, viewers are left divided along party lines. We wish we could all just appreciate these moments together.
In Ohio news, there's talk about Bernie Moreno's proposal to limit flag displays at the Capitol to just the U.S. and approved ones. Plus, there's a lively discussion about potentially putting party labels on school board elections. It’s all about political identity and figuring out how much of it we really want in places like schools.
The episode wraps up with our “wonderful and outrageous” segment, a fun way to end on both high and low notes. Norm surprises us with a feel-good moment at First Watch, a local breakfast favorite. Meanwhile, Brett highlights Ohio’s big push into career tech education—because who doesn’t love skilled trades and the promise of good jobs?
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
info@commonsenseohioshow.com
Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.
Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.
Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.
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