[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]University of Wisconsin political science professor Donald Downs spoke at the Memorial Union Thursday to explain the message behind his recently published book, "Restoring Free Speech and Liberty to Campus."

During his speech, Downs described a decline in intellectual liberty on campus during the past two decades and claimed constructive political action can make a difference.

Downs said he wrote the book primarily because he was concerned about the forms of censorship on campuses here and around the country. He said he worries that certain orthodoxies on campus have not been challenged.

"First, all comments can be wrong, therefore they need to be challenged," Downs said, explaining why he believes it is important for universities to value free speech. "Second, even if the statements are not false, they still need to be challenged in order to keep them vital … any orthodoxy needs to be challenged or it may become an injustice."

Downs said he hopes with the publication of his book "people will see the degree of the problem and understand that there are constructive things that can be done."

According to Downs, the last real crisis involving free speech that occurred at UW was the David Horwitz case in 2001. The conservative television legal analyst and columnist ran an advertisement in a campus newspaper confronting the notion of slavery reparations. The ad, which was turned down by other papers, stirred arguments across campus about whether or not ideologies were blocking political debate rather than allowing people to engage in it.

The Horwitz case was one of many examples Downs said he used in his book to prove the absence of political action is the "real problem."

Downs added the "liberal" environment at UW is more conducive to free speech than atmospheres at other universities.

"Students want the same rights and responsibilities as adults," he said. "We succeed because we tap into principles of a liberal university."

In his book, Downs said he questions why history changes from one paradigm to another. He answers this question with the notion that there has been a transition from liberal universities to post-liberal universities, meaning there is more political agenda involved. Out of the classroom, UW sophomore Mandi Croft said she feels she typically has the ability to speak openly through different organizations on campus, but often feels she must be sensitive to certain situations.

But in the classroom, Dr. Larry Nesper says, "I don't feel like I've been restricted. I'm aware things have been politicized, but I believe in speech, debate and exploration."

Nesper added as a former professor of Ball State University, UW is more "politicized."

"This campus is a more vibrant, intellectual community," he said.

In his own classroom, Downs said he tries to speak to the students' strengths, which he sees as the basis of respect.

"The problem is that students feel they are talked down to or patronized," he said.