The reality is that, both legally and according to university rules and procedures, the students who are producing the play have the right to do it. Indeed, any attempt to block the production, to censor it or to punish those who produce it will not only fail but will likely produce the opposite result than that sought by those who would suppress it - namely, greater publicity, more curiosity and larger audiences. The protection of this production exemplifies the essence of the First Amendment and academic freedom. They must prevail against the very understandable impulse by those who wield the power to use that power to stifle or chill that which they would prefer not to hear. Criticism, of course, is legitimate.
Outrage is legitimate.
Staying away or urging people not to patronize the event is legitimate. Censorship is not. I trust and hope that good will and understanding will prevail. I am confident that our many friends and supporters will be able to differentiate between the university as a place of learning and the university as advocate, and that we will continue to merit the trust, confidence and support of the community in accomplishing our educational mission. Letter smacks of dictators' actions By Peter Hamburger I was raised and lived in Hungary under the Communist regime between 1949 and 1986.