Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

A remarkable tide of intolerance is increasing at the institution that claims tolerance and civility. I'm talking about our universities. A panel discussion on gender at Portland University was interrupted by protesters who tried to shut it down and dismantle the sound system. At Lewis and Clark University, author Christina Hoff Summers was shut down by angry protesters who took over the platform. And at Queen's University in Canada, Jordan Peterson's presentation was disrupted by a mob. His talk was called: “The Rising Tide of Compelled Speech in Canada.” Two woman invaded the stage with a banner that said “Freedom to smash bigotry.” Outside the hall many others tried to disrupt the meeting. “During the protest, Peterson said "Mark my words, that’s the sound of the barbarians pounding at the gates.” Now the question is, how will those who believe in civility and free-speech respond?