Bible Studies in UW Dorms

The wishy washy editorial board of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel again puts out a half assed opinion piece. This time regarding the UW Resident Assistant who was disciplined for conducting bible studies.

Although they are correct that the UW has finally devised the right policy, They mistakenly argue for some heretofore unknown constitutional right to not be offended, and set up a 'Clash of Freedoms' that others have argued about here.

The Eau Claire policy, which reflects rules at other UW campuses, forbade resident assistants - upperclassmen or graduate students who get housing and a stipend to monitor and guide students living in dormitories - from hosting religious or political activities in their buildings.

What we have here is a clash of rights. The university was trying to preserve freedom from coercion for dormitory residents, who may feel pressured to attend the activities. But in the process, the university abridged the First Amendment rights of the resident assistants.

+++Update. Shortly after I posted this, Charlie Sykes was on it as well.

It's a gimme putt. There is no right to not feel philosophically uncomfortable. There is no freedom from coercion for dormitory residents.