Hopkins's decision to forbid a pro-Confederacy group from renting space on campus is not only well within the University's legal rights, but was the only appropriate course of action. For most Americans the Confederacy represents, with good reason, one thing: the nation's dark history of slavery.
The group's refusal to acknowledge the integral connection between the Confederacy and the institution of slavery indicates either an utter ignorance or just plain old malice. While the University's mission is to promote open academic discourse, this does not mean that all ideologies and groups are welcome. Organizations such as this one conflict with the core mission of universities in general by propagating ignorance and intolerance.
It is important not to fall into the trap of guilt by association. The fact that the group was permitted to meet on campus for the past 20 years in no way suggests that the University supported their cause. Yet the University must keep in mind the perception of support. The University has the prerogative to restrict groups that give even the perception, if not actual, support to values contrary to those of the University.
We welcome this action by the University, though it is unfortuate that it did not come about until complaints were lodged. The group's apologetic stance towards those who defended slavery, has no place on this campus. The University's decision to restrict this group should have come 20 years ago.
