Investigating and divulging the professional backgrounds of Day subscribers who post online comments deters free speech and the open exchange of ideas. It is also a violation of privacy similar to doxxing, the public shaming of private individuals for their political beliefs, which can have lasting effects on one’s career and reputation.

In David Collins Feb. 3 column, “OPINION: UConn protects conspiracy theorist on faculty,” a UConn faculty member is unjustly unmasked for the sole reason he posts extreme right-wing comments. Yet, the columnist presents no evidence that his political views interfere with his job performance and ability to teach in his highly technical field, as inferred. Will others who similarly post controversial comments have to fear this type of retaliation and intimidation?

Newspaper-sponsored online forums support democracy by enabling average citizens to debate key issues. But when the privacy of those who contribute is compromised, so is this mission. Responses to online comments should always be about their content and never about authors, unless they are elected officials.

Edward Kleinman

Pawcatuck