From Bastion to Prison: The Fall of Free Speech So now that we know the perpetrator in Charlie Kirk's case was radicalized by a combination of college experiences and online political extremist channels, it is clear our educators in academia bear a significant responsibility for radicalizing our kids. They have been radicalized to the point that they view political violence as a rational option and, equally grotesque, as something worthy of celebration. Words are not violence. Older generations grew up under the motto: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Academia has seemingly changed it to: We will break your bones with sticks and stones due to your WORDS. If anyone needs proof, they only need to tabulate the number of educators, from K-Doctorate, that have publicly celebrated Kirk's demise - even medical doctors sworn to save lives. It is truly disturbing that those who teach our kids are among the largest groups celebrating an assassination of a fellow human being. There is a deep rot plaguing academia at all levels. They claim they're about inclusivity and diversity, but their actions prove their idea of diversity is merely skin-deep. The whole point of celebrating diversity is to recognize and respect the unique opinions and beliefs we form and hold, on all topics, due to our different experiences. College campuses were once considered the bastion of free thought, and the preeminent place for the exchange of ideas through vigorous debate, yet most across our great nation have morphed into the exact opposite. For many students the alleged bastion of free speech has actually become a prison for their thoughts. On campuses across the nation, many kids have to put on a façade and lie about how they truly feel, to both friend and staff, to avoid confrontation and consequences. Not only is free speech no longer an option on most campuses, the opposite exists: Compelled speech - all because words are deemed violence. Only say what we say is right, or be punished. Charlie Kirk found out that even the ultimate punishment can be exacted from you for simply engaging in and pursuing the very free speech and debate both campuses and our country are supposed to embody and support. Free speech, debate, and the free exchange of ideas, without fear of retribution, need to be restored not only on college campuses, but across this great nation. Our children's future relies upon it.