Whoopi Goldberg recently voiced her strong support for free speech, particularly in defense of student protesters on American college campuses. Her comments came in response to the backlash against Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, following his commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas.

Goldberg made her position clear during the May 16 episode of “The View.” She emphasized that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and that it is important to respect differing opinions. “I like when people say what they need to say,” Goldberg stated. “He’s at a Catholic college. He’s a staunch Catholic. These are his beliefs and he’s welcome to them. I don’t have to believe him, right. I don’t have to accept them. The ladies that were sitting in that audience do not have to accept him.”

She also drew a parallel between Butker’s right to express his views and Colin Kaepernick’s protest during the national anthem. “The same way we want respect when Colin Kaepernick takes a knee, we want to give respect to people whose ideas are different from ours,” Goldberg said. She criticized the notion of suppressing free speech, regardless of whether the opinions expressed are popular or controversial.

Butker’s speech, which included traditional views on women’s roles in society, stirred significant debate. “How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross the stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career?” Butker asked during his address. “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

In light of Butker’s remarks, Goldberg stressed that the audience members were free to agree or disagree with his perspective. “If they take his advice, good for them, they’ll be happy. If they don’t, good for them, they’ll be happy a different way. That’s my attitude,” she explained.

While no action has been taken against Butker by the NFL, the league did release a statement to distance itself from his personal views. Jonathan Bean, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, stated, “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

Goldberg’s defense of free speech, even when it involves controversial opinions, highlights the importance of maintaining open dialogue and respecting diverse viewpoints in a democratic society.