When it comes to the issue of free speech, all eyes have been upon La Jolla High School (LJHS) this past week, after school administrators painted over a political statement crafted by members of the LJHS Persian Club. The message, “Freedom for Iran,” was painted on the school’s senior benches, considered to be a long-time forum at the school, after a huge antigovernment protest erupted in the Middle Eastern country. The free-speech debate has carried into LJHS political science classes, and a couple students have even brought the issue to the American Civil Liberties Union. Putting conflict aside, it’s great that local youths are getting involved in a crucial conversation. It’s hard to say what the benches’ fate will be, but we can point out an enduring and uncensored forum that belongs to every La Jollan, young or old — this page. Send us a guest column or letter. We won’t paint over it! — Claire Harlin is the editor of the Village News.