CNN's Sally Kohn Is Glad Free Speech Is Under Assault

Daniel Pickert | September 20, 2016
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CNN commentator Sally Kohn recently attended a free speech symposium at the University of Missouri, arguing that pro-speech conservatives are actually just scared of multiculturalism on campus.

“They think [diversity] is dumbing down humanity, or the greatness and exceptionalism of America. I’m happy that’s under assault,” Kohn said, according to Campus Reform.

Kohn appeared at the conference with Kirsten Powers, author of The Silencing: How the Left is Killing Free Speech, who challenged her on her position.

“Speech is not in itself dangerous,” Powers stated, citing examples of college conservatives being attacked for differing viewpoints from the liberal set of ideals, including a feminist professor at UC Santa Barbara who attacked a pro-life protestor because she felt "threatened" by the protestor's speech.

Kohn responded by insisting both her and Powers’ white-privilege upbringings clouded their perspectives and hindered their ability to relate to the notion that certain speech may be threatening to some.

As Powers insisted that diversity of thought is a good thing, and that nobody learns if everyone is exactly the same, Kohn wouldn’t give in. Speaking about conservatives Kohn stated, “If they feel like they can no longer speak against positive social change, good," adding, “Feelings are valid. I’m never going to argue with people’s feelings.”  

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