This is in response to Matt Kuker’s Feb. 19 letter “Daily, again, shows poor judgment,” regarding the photo which accompanied the article on the Midwest Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Ally conference.

While it is reasonable to argue that a different photo may have complemented more effectively the article in question, I believe Mr. Kuker is mistaken in his more general suggestion that a newspaper should refrain from publishing any content which some of its readers may find offensive.

The great diversity of viewpoint in our society — or even in a single university community —makes it virtually certain that each person will eventually encounter something he or she finds disagreeable.

Furthermore, if only the universally palatable is allowed into print, there will no longer be any reason to participate in a competitive marketplace of ideas — after all, forcible consensus already will have been reached.

To entertain the notion that all offense must strictly be avoided is to undercut the very basis for a reasoned exchange of ideas.

Reilly Liebhard

Senior

Political Science