Several Chinese students at Duke University sent threatening messages to a Chinese student who they alleged had taken part in a pro-Tibet demonstration, and these students must be condemned for their threats.
University campuses in the United States must be preserved as forums for discussion and places for the free exchange of ideas, and students should not repress the views of others under any circumstances.
The use of threats, some advocating the death of the Duke student, should be considered for punishment by law.
Last week, organizers screening a film about Tibet at Cornell also received death threats from Chinese students.
Tuesday, supporters of the Chinese government shouted and waved flags during speeches by pro-Tibet organizers here at UCLA.
These counter-organizers should have respectfully allowed the pro-Tibet organizers to voice their views, instead of drowning them out with shouts.
As the relationship between China and Tibet continues to be discussed on college campuses in the United States, we must be careful to allow all sides to express their opinions, rather than stifle one another with threats.