Free speech lives in Knoxville
 

Knoxville, Tennessee-AP -- Free speech trumps sensitivity at the University of Tennessee.
The school has decided not to penalize six white fraternity members who painted their faces black to appear as the Jackson 5.


A statement on the U-T Web site says the university is committed to protecting free speech, "even when some find it to be insensitive and offensive."

School officials warn that the incident recalls earlier times, when minstrel shows depicted blacks as ignorant simpletons, and should not be seen as an innocent prank.

The Kappa Sigma fraternity suspended its Tennessee chapter last month and apologized.

In the past year, Auburn University, Oklahoma State and the University of Virginia have all dealt