With flying colors, UW-Madison passed last night’s First Amendment test.

Beginning with reparations proponents passing out literature countering Horowitz’s original advertisement with ideas, not insults (something sorely missing last spring) and ending with UW lecturer and former mayor Paul Soglin proposing a debate, last night was a credit to the entire campus.

Horowitz did not hold back his provocative statements or individual rejoinders (some of which were arguably out of line, especially the personal attack on Tshaka Barrows). Nor did the audience listen without an interruption or occasional catcall.

But free speech was only an issue when spoken about by Horowitz or his introducer, Professor Donald Downs, who is to be commended for loosening an obviously tense crowd prior to Horowitz’s speech.

Last night’s event could prove to be the pivotal battle for intellectual freedom on our campus. Only by challenging our beliefs can we gain true knowledge. And now that pursuit can continue with the assurance that this campus has shown a commitment to true intellectual diversity.

UW administrators should take note. Clearly, UW students can handle controversial ideas and contentious debates. It is past time the administration stop insisting UW students see no evil, hear no evil and, most importantly, say no evil.

This semester is drawing to a close, and with it, we hope, the Horowitz controversy. The time has come to debate reparations and other important topics under the auspices of free speech, instead of being forced to fight for the freedom to simply debate.