Play should not receive sponsorship

I would like to respectfully disagree with the Exponent's editorial of July 23. The editorial board has made the all-too-common mistake of confusing the right to free speech with a supposed right to a forum in which to be heard.

It cannot be reasonably argued that those who wish to present the play "Corpus Christi" do not have the right to do so. I may not personally like it, but that alone is not sufficient to prohibit its presentation. In that, I agree entirely with what the editorial said.

Where I disagree with the Exponent and with the judge's decision is in the suggestion that the group presenting this play is entitled to government sponsorship. They do not have a constitutionally protected right to be given a stage on which to present their play. Therefore, defending the University's funding of this play with the Constitution is utterly absurd. When we start assuming rights we do not have, we cheapen those that are truly sacred.

It is, of course, at the University's discretion to what artistic endeavors it gives sponsorship. However, when dealing with a subject involving strong politico-religious themes as "Corpus Christi" does, (the idea that the protagonist is not meant to represent Christ is astounding in its obtuseness; read the title of the play) it should exercise special care about the message it is sponsoring. If I wished to present a passion play and asked the University to sponsor it, the request would quickly, and rightly, be rejected because it violates the separation of Church and State. Would a play portraying Martin Luther King, Jr. as a violent drunk and a womanizer ever see the light of day? What about Susan B. Anthony running a call-girl ring? Why is it OK to offend some groups, but not others?

Bradley Eisenhauer
Purdue Staff

Jischke's freshman year was probably better than yours

Friends will always be remembered

Fans should respect Purdue’s reputation

Play defames Christianity; shouldn't be sponsored by Purdue University

Cheating should not be tolerated

Play should not receive sponsorship

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