Many of you have probably seen the outcry on campus this week for tolerance and the diversity of opinion. However, several groups on campus who are part of the far, far left side think their opinion is the only one that can be tolerated. I would like use a quote directly from fliers that groups participating in a Week of Tolerance were handing out on the mall this week. “The students of WSU deserve more than a biased viewpoint based on prejudice and lack of facts. It is important to allow free and open expression of opinion…” Guess what? I could not agree more. The opinions these groups are putting forward is more biased and uninformed than the opinions they are accusing the College Republicans (a group in which I am vice president) of holding. These groups are jumping to conclusions and are out in arms before they even research the addressed topic or the message that the other side is trying to portray. There is always more than one opinion on any particular issue, and each side has the right to express themselves without fear. The administration, faculty and staff, multiple campus groups, and uninformed writers are trying to express their beliefs while prohibiting the other side from voicing their opinion. For those of you who don’t know, that is illegal in the United States. Every person in America has the right to believe in what they want; that is the beauty of living in a free country. You can be Republican, Democrat, gay, straight, male, female and you are able to express your beliefs on any particular issue freely. People should not have to worry that they will be publicly slandered and demeaned by outright lies and personal attacks.

I respect everyone’s right to free speech and it is a shame that conservatives on campus may feel hesitant to do so because of the fear that is being imposed by misinformed liberals.

By the time this article is published, a showing of the movie "Obsession" as a part of Islamo-Fascism week on campus, will have taken place. As someone involved in the event, it is my hope that those who attended the documentary walked away from it with a more balanced view on terrorism and radical Islam.

The liberal gatekeepers of the media try to hide the truth and other viewpoints, especially on college campuses. Those protesting for tolerance must also realize their actions are not at all tolerant and just because you do not agree with someone does not make them wrong and you right.

I hope as this Week of Tolerance continues that all may find tolerance and respect diversity of opinion, rather than passing critical judgment before knowing all the facts. Please, be a little more tolerant and knowledgeable next time before you call me “Islamophobic,” a “bigot,” or my personal favorite, a “racist.” Just for the record, Islam is a religion, not a race.