As previously announced, everyone’s favorite talking head Ann Coulter will be gracing Happy Valley with her presence come October. However, some students are looking to protest or even cancel the event.

I’d like to preface this with a small disclaimer that I in no way agree with anything that comes out of Ann Coulter’s mouth. I can’t even begin to imagine how she can justify saying the things she does and frankly, I don’t really want to. With that said, I don’t think that we as a University should deny the College Republicans the opportunity to have her come speak.

Rather, I think we should use this as an opportunity to create a united force much louder than her divisive, backwards opinions. Silencing her isn’t going to stop her from proliferating her archaic opinions. Instead of sending Coulter away, we should use this as an opportunity to engage in discourse and debate. She may say what she wants and wave around her constitutional rights, but if we’re so passionate about having her appearance cancelled, why not channel that passion into a less passive demonstration?

That’s the nice thing about the First Amendment; Coulter may hide behind it, but we’re just as entitled to employ its protections to challenge her opinion. In any case, the College Republicans can’t expect an intimate gathering for just their members by bringing in someone as controversial Coulter, especially not after last year.

That being said, liberals of Penn State — don’t let her win by trying to shut her down. Instead, come ready to meet every twisted view she has with some simple logic.

For the other of the debate, check out Laurel Petrulionis’ post.