This is a troubling confession. “When the expression of views by him or any member of our community is perceived as placing public safety in jeopardy,” college officials believe they must take action, even if that perception is wrong, as it was in this case. Neither Klinzman’s support for antifa nor his stated interest in hitting someone (implied to be Trump) with a bat represents any actual threat.

Antifa is an illiberal movement that doesn’t believe in extending free speech rights to its opponents, and thus it’s always somewhat ironic to watch this perspective used against them and other far-left anti-free-speech folk. Nevertheless, even those who do not recognize free speech as a right should still enjoy its benefits. Getting rid of Klinzman was a serious mistake, and a powerful example of what happens when administrators interpret a mandate to protect students’ safety as an excuse to censor provocative speech.