Curbs on Speech

I am writing in response to “Banning Racist Speech Begs the Real Question of Curbing Racism” (Opinion, Oct. 14). After living in the United States for the past 13 years, I am still considered a minority, because 17 years ago I was born in Iran. Because of the country’s hatred toward Iran and Iranians, my country has been the target for racism for many years. I know how much a racist remark can hurt.

The dream of freedom and the idea of democracy bring immigrants to America. Freedom of speech under the First Amendment is considered to be a luxury by many immigrants. Now, university campuses are taking away this freedom because of the content of what certain groups of people are saying. There is no clause in the First Amendment banning a specific form of speech. I do not think bans on racist speech will prevent racism. A bigot will not stop being a bigot because you stop him from publicly speaking against a certain ethnic group.

An alternate solution could be stronger minority support groups, not a ban on our freedoms.

BEATRICE MAKABEH, Encino