I do believe in freedom of speech. But I also believe there are responsibilities that accompany that freedom.

I want to make it clear that I am not writing this Viewpoint to side with the university or with the student involved in the story, "Student suspended for blog posts" from the Dec. 6 issue of the Tribune. I am not in the position to decide whether or not ethical lines have been crossed. Rather, I would simply like to encourage the students following this story to sit back and think about what is appropriate and how their actions can affect others.

Perhaps I will also run the risk of sounding like "one who teaches children" by asking: Is what remains legal always appropriate?

In reading about this situation, the attitude portrayed in one comment directed at university administrators was particularly concerning to me. Written on the student run Web log www.GOP3.com and quoted in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel it stated, "I am eager to learn the student's name; he has just made many new friends at Marquette University."

As graduate students we have made the decision to further our education in a particular profession. With that decision comes the responsibility to be aware of our actions and how they reflect upon others within our chosen profession. Just as it would not be acceptable for us stand up in front of a class or our peers and make demeaning comments, we should think twice before posting such comments in a public forum. Just as freedom of speech allows us a democratic society, abuse of that freedom has the potential to be detrimental in our community.

Over the next week the university, lawyers, staff and students involved with this case will sort out the details. I am sure that by next January our memory of the controversy will have faded. I have no doubt the student involved will go on to lead a successful career, perhaps having taken a lesson from this experience.

In the meantime — yes, let's fight for our freedoms, but let's also choose our heroes wisely.