While, technically, university campuses are public places, they are really unique oases dedicated to learning and the exercise of free speech, no matter whom it offends, without fear of violent reprisals. The main issue in the ’60s was that, while protests were protected, they had no right to shut down universities by taking over administrative buildings nor certainly have weapons during their protests. 

A major event on the Cornell campus during my tenure as a graduate student there was the takeover of the student union by black students for several weeks over legitimate grievances. When they finally left, they were carrying weapons, which, together with the occupation of the student union, created a major furor. Their argument, as is Mr. Coghill’s, was that they had the right to defend themselves and felt threatened. This argument now seems popular in the tea party right wing.

Whether these arguments have validity remains to be seen. Campuses now offer a location where these views can be openly debated in the absence of lethal weapons. Late in my stay at Cornell, for example, Dean Rusk came and delivered a speech defending the Vietnam War. A large number of students wore “death masks” during the speech but shut up and let Mr. Rusk have his say. Sen. Coghill’s bill would effectively remove this capability, which will be a sad day for both the left and the right as well as those of us who believe universities offer a unique environment and forum within, but slightly apart from, the rules governing the rest of society.