The principle of free speech demands we allow protests to take place on college campuses. But must we merely tolerate campus demonstrations, or do we have some deeper stake in allowing them to continue—even when they are loud, impulsive, and irritating to the surrounding society?

That question goes to the heart of universities’ civic mission: We should want our colleges to educate citizens who will be not only skillful thinkers, listeners, and speakers but also engaged proponents of this country’s ideals. Young people develop civic competence by experimenting with political action as well as by participating in respectful classroom discussions. Much of collegiate learning occurs through extracurricular activities. Some of these activities—such as debate clubs—are widely celebrated, whereas others—such as protests—make society uncomfortable.

All are important. We should remember that today’s activists may become tomorrow’s leaders. 

When I am frustrated with protesters on Princeton’s campus, I try to remind myself that the university has had multiple excellent trustees who not only protested, but were arrested or disciplined for civil disobedience during their student days. They grew up to be distinguished professionals, model citizens, and influential members of their communities.

That is not a coincidence. Even when their views are naive or ill-considered, protesters are among the minority of people willing to take risks and devote time and energy to the pursuit of a better world. To be sure, protest is not the only or necessarily the best way to do that.........

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