Fraternity’s Songbook

Debate on UCLA’s actions with regard to songs of Phi Kappa Psi has to center on the sub-headline of your news report: “Advocating Violence to Women.”

I have argued throughout my life that advocacy of violence against another human being or group based on differences is not protected by the free-speech clause in the First Amendment.

The laws of equal protection limit speech. The courts have ruled accordingly, e.g., “fighting words,” Justice Holmes dictum: “To falsely cry, ‘fire’ in a crowded theater. . . .”

The consequences of hate speech are recorded in history. It has led to violence, genocide and repeated holocausts.

HYMAN H. HAVES

Pacific Palisades