On Friday afternoon I chose to listen to an educated and experienced man, Benjamin Hooks, speak of his experiences with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He spoke of Dr. King’s use, and ideas of the “Freedom of Speech Right” of which all Americans posses. Mr. Hooks related this to the MLK Commons which is designated as a place where anyone can speak or listen freely, NIU’s “Speaker’s Corner.” It was quite a moving speech to the masses of NIU.

One of the great dimensions of “The Freedom of Speech Right” is that all Americans posses the right not to listen if they choose. While I exercised my right to listen to the profound statements of Mr. Hooks, other students chose to exercise their right too. But this chose was taken from them by Juliete Moore, director of the Office of Campus Recreation. Ms. Moore decided that the Recreation Center should be closed from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in recognition of Dr. King. I hope that Ms. Moore chooses to listen to my words. Don’t make decisions for this student body, some of us choose to reserve our right to listen or not!

Tim Mulvihill

Senior

Technology