U.S. Sen. Rand Paul on Saturday charged Kentucky Wesleyan College’s freshman class to continue to be bold when sharing their opinions, perspectives, and stories, even amid adversity. Paul’s convocation message kicked off the Class of 2028’s freshman year as part of their orientation.
Paul opened his speech by reminiscing about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on social life and education, as well as discussing conversations revolving around freedom of speech. He said that through the efforts of people like Elon Musk with the X platform, society could see key ways freedom of speech was being affected.
“The First Amendment isn’t about protecting innocently spoken nice things and niceties. It’s about tolerating the speech that we disagree with,” he said.
Paul continued to share that as the country moves away from the pandemic, it’s still important to practice listening and engaging with others while not silencing them.
He cited instances across the country where people have been prevented from speaking at various venues, specifically schools. Paul noted that academia should not be a place where students, faculty, and speakers are policed on their speech.
“Once policing speech becomes acceptable, it’s a short step to policing behavior,” Paul said. “… The answer to speech and speakers you dislike is not to have the state lock up their opponent or to run them off campus. The answer is simply more speech, more debate, more freedom — not less.”
He noted that while diversity has become a major topic of discussion recently, throughout history, “it is the diversity of thought and ideas” that has brought progress to mankind.
With that in mind, he charged the students to never forget to be true to themselves and bring their perspectives to every discussion.
“You have every reason to be optimistic about your future. There really has never been a better time as you set out on your journey of life,” he said. “Let no obstacle concern you; let no authority defeat you. Think for yourself, strive for excellence, and, most importantly, live a life of curiosity, honesty, and beliefs.”
