A response to correspondence The Founding Fathers of the United States fought for freedom, and we continue to maintain that freedom today. We fight fiercely to protect, amend, and interpret the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments. So when Yale's Committee on Intercultural Affairs sent an email last fall imploring students to consider the implications of their Halloween costumes and reevaluate their decisions to wear them, Professor Erika Christakis responded with a 'email in defense of students' rights to make their own choices. This story made national headlines and sparked discussion about cultural appropriation, as well as inclusivity, racism, to name a few issues. This has been widely discussed because it is a topic close to the hearts of every American: our inalienable fundamental rights. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay This essay seeks to include John Stuart Mill in the discourse surrounding this event. Even if Mill would justify sending the emails, he would likely question the authority of the Committee on Intercultural Affairs. In terms of policy, Mill would say that if the school could demonstrate harm, then it could implement a set of enforceable costume policies. Millian's arguments against the concerns raised by the task force are weak. The two emails themselves simply express the opinions and concerns of both parties. Mill supports the autonomy of the individual because free speech is a principle valued by the government under which the university resides. The ultimate authority of the state has decided that free speech will maximize utility and Mill agrees with this. To include Mill in this situation it is necessary to consider one of his basic principles. Mill's Principle of Freedom is crucial to understanding why he would support dialogue between the committee and the professor. Emphasizes that freedom of speech and opinion encourages truth, understanding of truth and the true meaning of truth. The maximum competition of ideas creates a better society according to Mill (59). “If all mankind but one were of the same opinion, and only one person were of the opposite opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing the humanity (59).” Ultimately, it's good that the university and the professor talked about the topic of Halloween costumes. Toward the end of the second chapter of On Liberty, Mill considers the struggle to place limits on fair discussion. He is in favor of overcoming these limitations, but states that the way an opinion is presented could lead to censorship (60). This means that while it may be a valid opinion to express, how it is expressed has a huge impact on its intentions. Christakis' email response to the university brings out her appreciation for other cultures, including the fact that she obtained a sari on a trip to Bangladesh. He says he has never worn it once. This is somewhat of a cop-out in this topic. Mill might say that some limitations on the free speech of types are acceptable. It could be argued that one might appreciate a culture more by talking or writing about it than by dressing in potentially offensive clothing. This is obviously not the purpose of the two emails, but Mill would have more to say about this and how authority can limit individuals. Mill thinks that authority must always be justified. His principle of antipaternalism which explains the acts of the individual who..