The university has a responsibility to uphold the First Amendment rights of its faculty and staff, even in the face of fervent calls to squash free speech.

The Northern Star does not support anti-semitic views, but it does encourage free discussion.

More than half a century since the Holocaust, NIU adjunct professor Myron Kuropas has brought the tragedy and its subsequent interpretations to the university’s collective consciousness.

As reported by the Northern Star, Kuropas allegedly “accused Jews of manipulating the Holocaust for their gain and playing an ‘inordinate role’ in the rise of Soviet communism,” according to Knight Ridder reports.

Kuropas categorically denies the insinuation that his comments were anti-semitic.

The university reviewed the nature and context of Kuropas’ comments and has decided to err on the side of free speech. No one has proven Kuropas’ alleged views have affected how he runs his classes.

Kuropas will keep his job, as he should.

As an institution of higher learning, NIU should encourage free thought and speech from both students and faculty.

It is only through the exchange of free ideas that society experiences any growth.

Democratic representatives Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill) and Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) both called on President John Peters to sever NIU’s relationship with Kuropas.

They are entitled to their criticism just as Kuropas is entitled to his opinions, whatever they may be.

Popular opinion does not condone anti-semitism.

And popular speech is not often challenged. Inflammatory speech is often shamed into silence because society would rather ignore it.

As uncomfortable as it is to confront, a public conversation on the issue is valuable. Discussion sheds light on how the Holocaust continues to be interpreted.

Inflammatory speech will always exist. It is society’s examination of it that determines if the speech is completely useless or if we can learn from it.

The Northern Star applauds the university’s support of free expression. Such support fosters an environment where ideas – even controversial ones – can be explored. That should be the mission of every university.