Exponent discriminates against student’s views

Thursday morning as I sat down to eat breakfast and read the Exponent, I was sincerely disappointed by the front-page article entitled "Student views draw attention." In case you missed the article, it reported how a Purdue graduate student "might be" a "Neo-Nazi." The Exponent editor Laura Pelner obviously felt it was necessary to fight this "possible" discrimination with discrimination. Some people may feel that because I stand up for the rights of the accused Paul Fallavollita, that I share his views. However, I would be writing this same letter if the article had said "Purdue graduate student may be homosexual" instead of "Purdue graduate student may be a Neo-Nazi." Either way, this is based purely on suspicion and is attacking a person’s views and beliefs without their chance at defense. The simple fact that a news publication such as the Exponent would personally attack an individual like this makes me ill. For some reason the Exponent and the editor found it acceptable to accuse, question and exploit the views of this "possible" bad, bad "Neo-Nazi." However, if the Exponent reported and questioned professors, and speculated upon someone’s belief in religion or sexual preference without their consent, it would be considered discrimination and morally wrong. When will people realize that everyone has their own views, and we are old enough to not point fingers at this bad man because of what he "may believe." There are limits to free speech, and it’s called slander (the oral communication of false statements injurious to a person's reputation). I would hope that in the future the Purdue Exponent would exercise some good taste in their journalism, and maybe they won’t find themselves calling their lawyers. I also encourage everyone to tolerate people’s views and beliefs, regardless of whether you agree with them.

Scott Allen Miller

Freshman, School of Technology

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Exponent discriminates against student’s views

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