1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing this letter on behalf of Mahmoud Khalil, a recently arrested student at Columbia University who has not been charged, much less convicted, of any crime. His immigration status - from what I understand is a green card, has been apprehended because of his views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Let me first say that I find Khalil’s political views and actions despicable - he is the kind of activist who in my opinion does more harm than good. But as Evelyn Hall characterized the essential Voltarian principle: “I wholly disapprove of what you say—and will defend to the death your right to say it.” As I noted earlier, there is no crime committed beyond having disagreeable views. If America has overnight become the kind of country that routinely jails people because of their political views, then we have lost our way profoundly. I expect every elected representative to vigorously defend Khalil’s rights because his rights are my rights. Free speech is a founding principle of this country, and for the first time in my life I don’t know if my children will inherit it.