Student Editor: Glen Stinsman

Freedom is an ideological debate that has been argued throughout the ages. The word freedom invokes differing opinions on its denotation and connotation. Yet, it is a principle that the United States has founded its government on and is an ideal that is righteously coveted and fought for in lands far away. Of course freedom is actualized by the culture, as certain freedoms are not seen as freedoms in some cultures and vice versa. In the context of our education freedom is most important within the realms of speech and our ability to freely express our ideas and thoughts in written, musical, and visually artistic forms. Here at Kenai Peninsula College we share our ideas in the classrooms, in the commons, in the parking lot, and in the hallways. Some of our ideas are shouted out to the masses by our voices or the words printed on the clothes that we wear. It is this freedom of speech that brings about a diversity of opinions that don’t always shuck and jive together.

Kenai Peninsula College has had its share of controversial ideas within and out of the classroom. Some of these ideas are not just simple voices or the printed words in a report due in Mr. Petersen’s, History of Philosophy class. Some ideas are expressed in a visual form using paint, pencil, ink, and other materials to express a certain idea or ideas. Many of the ideas are abhorrent to persons who don’t agree with the idea being proposed or the format by which it is being proposed. Albeit, this is a college where the exchange of ideas is paramount to its success. These differences in opinion and ideas can often lead to hurt feelings and lead to physical confrontations. This is where we often forget the most important aspect of freedom, that freedom isn’t always easy.

We all come from different backgrounds with different families, friends, experiences, affiliations, etc. The reasons we have our beliefs are extensions of the environments that we have lived in and are currently living in. Unfortunately, these differing experiences in our environments have led to misunderstandings between individuals with individual beliefs. To believe in freedom, is to believe in each individual’s right to his or her opinions and thoughts on any subject from the meaning of freedom to the right way to govern a people. Freedom can be a painful thing to uphold with so many ideas contrary to the way that we believe. We cannot take for granted this freedom even in the face of other spoken, printed, played, or painted ideas that don’t fit into our own cosmology. Freedom is something that has to be suffered for and understood if we are ever to claim to have a concept of freedom at all.

Staff Editor: Suzie Kendrick, KPC Community Relations

Americans tend to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy. It’s not surprising really; we don’t pay much attention to issues we consider a given. Unfortunately, history tells us that complacency can contribute to the loss of freedoms. Since September 11th there has been talk about freedoms we may have to give up in the name of security. What are the downstream implications? If, for example, we give up rights that protect us from unreasonable search and seizure, are we willing to undergo strip searches on a random basis? What if the next terrorist decides to swallow explosives? Will we routinely submit to an x-ray before boarding a plane? Should pro-Taliban activists be allowed to hold public rallies and have a booth at the Alaska State Fair?

The recent display of a controversial art project raised questions about freedom of expression on our campus. Unfortunately, the manner in which the project was displayed contributed to some misunderstandings by the parties involved. The display appeared late one evening, not identified as an art project, and without the artist’s name posted. Because of the shocking graphics and text, several students and members of the public came forward demanding to know where “it” came from. At that point, I didn’t know. Parents complained it was inappropriate to place the display at eye level for a five year old. One parent commented she would not bring her child on campus until the display was moved.

The display remained in the original location until the next morning when administration made the decision to move it to the KPC Gallery. A sign was posted in the original location directing anyone who wished to view the display. Later the same day, the head of the art department moved the display to an art room. As the curator of the gallery, he felt it was inappropriate material to be included in the gallery show. The new location was posted and the display remained in the art room where anyone could view it. Unfortunately, the display was tampered with and damaged by someone. Whether the act was intentional or not is unknown. If the damage was intentional, the college regrets that someone would feel compelled to destroy something just because they don’t agree with what it stands for. KPC respects the rights of students to express their ideas and beliefs; however, the college has to be sensitive to the concerns of all students and the public. Giving people the choice to look or not look at artwork does not diminish the freedom of the artist to create and display it.