In today’s politically charged climate, the question of tolerance on college campuses is more pressing than ever. The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), like many institutions across the world, is grappling with how to uphold free expression while fostering a respectful, inclusive environment.
Recent events, such as President Donald Trump’s statement that he would deport international students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, have reignited national debates on free speech, academic freedom and tolerance.
Tolerance is more than passive acceptance; it’s an active engagement with differing viewpoints, cultures and identities.
18th-century philosopher Voltaire famously stated, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This sentiment encapsulates the core of democratic education, where the free exchange of ideas is critical to personal growth and intellectual development.
At UIS, tolerance isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a cornerstone of academic life. To foster this environment, UIS has developed platforms for open discussion and learning. The UIS Gender and Sexuality Student Services (UIS GSS) host events aimed at bringing people from different backgrounds together to discuss issues like race, gender, politics and religion.
UIS GSS graduate assistant Emerson Krasnican states, “All UIS students are welcome at our events. The office has been hosting collaborations for Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), which include events from analyzing music videos to watching award winning films and discussing relationships of people with diverse identities.”
Classrooms at UIS also serve as arenas for critical debate, with faculty guiding discussions that encourage students to explore opposing viewpoints respectfully.
UIS Professor Jason Piscia, who teaches ‘Introduction to Mass Media and Political Communication,’ emphasizes the importance of focusing on the message, not the messenger. He explains, “I make an effort in my course content to show how leaders on all sides of the political spectrum play fast and loose with facts to persuade their audiences.”
Piscia acknowledges that students often bring their own political biases into class. “I encourage students to try to take their feelings about the messenger out of the equation and focus on the message itself,” he says. “For the most part, students are able to keep the conversations civil and centered on the communication strategies at play.”
With this being said, tolerance doesn’t mean the absence of conflict. Nationwide, campuses have faced tensions over free speech and activism. This is nothing new. In 2017, the University of California, Berkeley, became a flashpoint for debates on tolerance when violent protests erupted over a scheduled speech by Milo Yiannopoulos, a political commentator.
The campus experienced approximately $100,000 worth of damages. While UIS hasn’t faced similar high-profile incidents, the national climate serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive policies and open dialogue.
At the heart of UIS’s commitment to tolerance is The UIS Observer, the university’s independent digital student news outlet. Student journalists are tasked with covering diverse topics and representing a range of viewpoints, fostering a campus culture that values balanced reporting and ethical journalism.
Through thoughtful storytelling and investigative reporting, student media helps ensure that all voices on campus are heard and respected.
Despite these efforts, UIS, like all institutions, faces ongoing challenges. Political divisions, cultural misunderstandings, and generational differences can strain relationships within the campus community. But these challenges also present opportunities for growth.
By confronting uncomfortable truths and engaging in tough conversations, UIS can continue to evolve as a standing model of inclusivity and respect.
