The First Amendment is central to our concept of freedom. The problems of bigotry and discrimination sought to be addressed here are real and truly corrosive of the educational environment. But freedom of speech is almost absolute in our land and the only restriction the fighting words doctrine can abide is that based on the fear of violent reaction. Content-based prohibitions such as that in the UW Rule, however well intended, simply cannot survive the screening which our Constitution demands. They sued and the university settled.
University administrators have to take First Amendment senstivity classes.
No viewpoint or message may be deemed so hateful or disturbing that it may not be expressed.