Ann Coulter is an idiot. Unless you’re a confederate flag wavin’, Santorum lovin’ tea partier, you probably agree with me. I could write a doctoral thesis on the subject, with hundreds of quotes such as:

“If we took away women’s right to vote, we’d never have to worry about another Democrat president. It’s kind of a pipe dream, it’s a personal fantasy of mine, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

“I think the government should be spying on all Arabs, engaging in torture as a televised spectator sport, dropping daisy cutters wantonly throughout the Middle East and sending liberals to Guantanamo.”

And after saying that all Muslims should be banned from flying on airplanes, she said that  “They could use flying carpets.”

So yes. She is an idiot. She is a hateful misogynistic white-supremacist. And Penn State University is allowing her to speak on campus.

Most people at this point would just roll their eyes and say that protesting her just gives her the attention she is seeking. While this is true, let’s examine what the university has to say about its zero-tolerance policies for discrimination:

“It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination, harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, genetic information, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status and retaliation due to the reporting of discrimination or harassment.”

That’s from AD42 – Statement on Nondiscrimination and Harassment. Essentially, Ann Coulter’s remarks on races, genders, and religion harasses me and harasses many other students on this campus.

Would Penn State bring in a grand wizard from the KKK as a guest speaker? What about an outspoken neo-nazi? I fail to see how Ann Coulter’s hatred is much different, if it all.

My favorite part of Penn State is the diversity in the student body. I’m sure that within Happy Valley, you could find any opinion on any issue that could possibly exist. The college brings in speakers on all opinions and backgrounds.

One night there might be a pro-fracking businessman, the next brings an anti-fracking activist filmmaker. Pro-life and pro-choice speakers both come, and different religions bring in their own speakers on a regular basis.

I am a huge proponent of free speech, but hate speech does not and should not count as free. Ann Coulter is not a controversial speaker, she represents a vile line of discriminatory thought that should not be allowed to come to Penn State — especially not on my tuition dollars.

Join those of us who believe in tolerance and respect of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, creeds, beliefs, what have you. Call the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity and tell them that Ann Coulter offends you and violates your AD42 rights. And if she is allowed to spew her garbage on campus, join us at the protest.

For the other side of the debate, check out Ali Fogarty’s position.