The difference is that to participate in an acedemic setting you need to come with facts first. This, extremely low, bar "elitist" as it may be is necessary to

The difference is that to participate in an acedemic setting you need to come with facts first. This, extremely low, bar "elitist" as it may be is necessary to provide at least the bare minimum of protection against bad actors. People unwilling to change their view poison the space for all participants. The pursuit of an unmoderated ideal is a false one.