Ruling on Bonnell results in oppression, harassment.

A recent Soundoff from Mount Clemens claimed that Macomb Community
College teacher John Bonnell's right to freedom of speech would contribute to
oppression and harassment. That statement is nothing more than disguised
discrimination.
Freedom of speech is the most powerful weapon there is to expose oppression
and harassment by government, employers or bigots who seek ultimate power
and control over citizens and employees. It is the suppression of this
constitutional right that fuels oppression and harassment.
I believe that MCC used its superficial complaint against Bonnell to
retaliate against him for some prior employment conflict.
This is a way of life in public education systems. I am also surprised that
an administrator hasn't claimed he or she was threatened during the
investigation. This tactic has also become a weapon within educational
institutions in this state to suppress freedom of speech.
Bonnell did nothing more than repeat everyday speech. Haven't we all heard
vulgarities from supervisors, lawyers, teachers, presidents and even judges?
No one should be shocked by it. No college level student can claim to be
insulated from this type of exposure.
You will hear it if you ever visit a high school during a lunch period or
class change. Try it sometime if you want a refresher lesson in what
students say and what they are allowed to say on a daily basis.
You will get an earful of the worst vulgarities on this planet. College
students who claim they haven't been exposed to this kind of language and
who are offended by it when they hear it referred to in an educational
situation are just manipulating some hidden agenda of their own.
It is a disgrace that a federal court ruled in favor of the oppression and
harassment leveled against Bonnell. MCC should be ashamed because it failed
in informing students of the possible content of Bonnell's class.

I have never met Bonnell, but I will make sure to take his class.

KENNETH FARHAT, Sterling Heights