How to Dissolve Free Speech

"[The president] is trying to send a message that he upholds the freedom of speech, but in accordance with our values and ethics," Andi Mallarangeng, Mr Yudhoyono's spokesman, said yesterday. "You can say anything you want, but you don't have to burn pictures or anything like that."

Rodriguez, author of the acclaimed memoir "Hunger of Memory," drew criticism from some students for his views against bilingual education and affirmative action.

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Sarah Gonzales, a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, said it was unfair to give Rodriguez a platform and captive audience for his views.

"We need to teach our students to be able to listen to diverse opinions, but they also need to be able to respond," said Gonzales, who is also a school board member in Hayward. "As a commencement speaker, he gets free air time."