Back in college we had some serious and raucous arguments. One involved Nguyen Cao Ky. He was the former Vice President of South Vietnam. (This was in the mid 70s.) Some believed he was a real bad dude. As a military person, there were reports that he had engaged in behaviors not found in the Boy Scout manual. Others were ok with him coming and giving a speech. I had a chance to speak with him briefly. I remember he smoked a lot of Marlboros and was accompanied by his very attractive spouse.
The arguments were sometimes fierce. Friendships were tested. Tempers flared. Ultimately we all settled down and listened to his talk. The speech went off without incident.
A wise friend of mine once told me that what one learns in college is that there are multiple lenses through which an issue can be looked at. Different perspectives (from one’s own) frequently have merit from which one can learn and deepen one’s understanding. I remain appreciative that the small liberal arts school I attended made a good effort to stress the importance of the capacity to think critically.
College students (along with the rest of us) will at times be exposed to ideas and opinions found to be very disagreeable. That goes with living in a society that purports to value freedom.