Free speech means defending even the most outrageous forms of protest, but burning a cross is just plain provocative. If you want to challenge ideas, do it with logic and debate, not with symbols that have hurt so many.
The fact that someone feels the need to use such a shocking symbol shows how deep the frustration is with the current political climate. Instead of shaming the student, maybe we should ask why so many young people feel unheard and pushed to extremes.
This is what happens when colleges push radical ideologies instead of real education. Burning a cross, no matter the 'message,' is offensive and disrespectful to history. Maybe focus more on unity instead of stunts that divide everyone further.