Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito stated that the backing for free speech on college campuses is decreasing as protests supporting Palestine occur at universities across the nation.
During a commencement address at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Catholic Ohio college, Alito mentioned that support for the freedom of speech is dwindling in a concerning manner.
“At this moment outside this lovely campus, some of our most essential principles are being challenged,” Alito mentioned, as reported first by NBC News.
“Backing for freedom of speech is diminishing critically,” he said, noting that this is particularly the case on college campuses where the exchange of ideas should be safeguarded.
He expressed that “very few colleges meet that standard.”
Students at more than 400 universities nationwide, ranging from Ivy Leagues to small colleges, have organized protests urging their institutions to disassociate from Israeli companies or those affiliated with Israel during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Alito, who is Catholic, informed the students that freedom of religion is also at risk.
“When you enter the real world, you may encounter situations in a job, community, or social setting where you are pressured to support ideas you don’t believe in or to abandon your core beliefs,” he remarked. “It will be your responsibility to stay resolute.”
In the next few weeks, the Supreme Court is expected to issue significant rulings on various matters, including whether former President Trump has immunity from prosecution and abortion rights.
