No matter their sexual orientation or religious beliefs, or lack there of, members of the Oswego State campus should be happy about the visit from traveling-preacher Jim Deferio to the college on Monday.

It’s hard to deny that Deferio’s message was negative and in some ways hateful. His lack of acceptance and love in what he presented to those around him was a direct detriment to the “hope” he claimed to be trying to bring to the campus. But, what he did do was initiate an open discussion that challenged students to defend their views and truly think about what they believe.

Oswego State’s vision statement is: “Inspired by a shared commitment to excellence and the desire to transcend traditional higher-education boundaries, SUNY Oswego will be a premier institution that provides a transformative experience to a diverse body of students, empowering them to live ethical and meaningful lives and build a better world.”

Monday’s events offered students a stage to embody the college’s vision. Students self-policed in order to keep the discussion civil and under control. Several different viewpoints from homosexuals, heterosexuals, Christians and agnostics were included without escalation or threat of violence.

Deferio was completely within his rights to visit Oswego State’s campus. He filled out the proper forms as a third party exercising his free speech rights at the college and stayed within the Quad where third parties are allowed to be as mapped out in the college’s free speech policy.

His sign did not fall under the distinction of hate speech, a reason for revoking free speech rights that is already difficult to win. They did not incite violence. They did not incite prejudicial treatment. In this case, they did not disparage or intimidate a protected individual or group. Deferio and his signs brought students together. They incited discussion and debate many students would not have felt comfortable having in a classroom or lecture hall. He did not disparage students. He encouraged and unified them. He encouraged students to support the rights of each and every person on the Oswego State campus.