It is sobering to read the Keith Sampson case of Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. When I first heard about the case I thought it was absurd that a college that accepts large sums of money from students would restrict their basic rights. Whether or not the book had a derogatory title doesn't matter, people have the freedom to read what they choose. In addition to Freedom to Read, I read many other cases on the FIRE website that provided examples of disregard for other fundamental rights that students enjoy. Freedom to read, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and conscience are all vital to students and must be protected. ("Indiana University -," 2009) Free speech is essential in our nation's universities because students individualize themselves by expressing their beliefs. Peaceful protest has played an important role in American history, particularly in the civil rights movement. In my opinion, it is one of the best ways to express your opinion legally. However, Valdosta State University student Hayden Barnes was expelled for peacefully protesting two new parking lots on campus. He posted flyers and sent emails to student government/faculty expressing his environmental concerns about the construction. Former president Ronald Zaccari labeled Barnes "a clear and present danger" and then expelled him. My question to Mr. Zaccari is: to whom or what does Barnes represent a danger? Barnes' actions were not malicious, he was punished for Zaccardi's motive of wanting to leave his presidential legacy behind through parking lots. Freedom of speech is a necessary right in all universities for the protection of students' opinion, together with another important fundamental right: religious freedom. ("Valdosta State University:," 2013) Students deserve...... middle of paper ...... freedom of speech, religion, and conscience. Works Cited Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis: Student employee found guilty of "racial harassment" for reading a book. (2009, February 27). Retrieved from http://thefire.org/case/760.html Valdosta State University: Student Expelled for Peacefully Protesting Parking. (2013, February 16). Retrieved from http://thefire.org/case/751.htmlPrinceton University: Refusal to Recognize Religious Group. (2005, May 11). Retrieved from http://thefire.org/case/677.htmlWashington State University: Using Disposition Theory to Enforce Ideological Orthodoxy.(2006, February 28). Retrieved from http://thefire.org/case/686.html