There’s no polite way or time to say it: American colleges and universities have become coddle industries. Big Nanny administrators oversee speech codes, segregated dorms, politically correct academic departments and designated “safe spaces” to protect students selectively from hurtful (conservative) opinions — while allowing mob rule for approved leftist positions (textbook case: Columbia University’s anti-Minuteman Project protesters).

Instead of teaching students to defend their beliefs, American educators shield them from vigorous intellectual debate. Instead of encouraging autonomy, our higher institutions of learning stoke passivity and conflict-avoidance.

And as the erosion of intellectual self-defense goes, so goes the erosion of physical self-defense.

Real Clear Politics

I agree wholeheartedly with Michelle Malkin’s opinion. There have been a few pundits now that have already questioned why exactly nobody tried to stop this guy. Why, for instance, when students were lined up against the walls they allowed themselves to be executed instead of a group of them charging the guy. Why nobody tried to sneak up behind him. He was, after all, only one man and he wasn’t Rambo. I am not going to pass any judgment on this because I honestly can’t say how I would react in such a situation myself, but they are valid questions.

Let us not forget that last year the Virginia State Assembly attempted to pass a law allowing student to conceal carry on campus. Larry Hincker, Virginia Tech spokesman, had these words to say about the defeat of the law:

“I’m sure the university community is appreciative of the General Assembly’s actions because this will help parents, students, faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus.”

I wonder if he still feels the same way. Malking sums it up well.

Enough of intellectual disarmament. Enough of physical disarmament. You want a safer campus? It begins with renewing a culture of self-defense — mind, spirit and body. It begins with two words: Fight back.