The fallacy of free speech zones
Issue date: 10/15/09 Section: Perspective
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"In this corner, weighing in at approximately 16,000 potential voices, we have members of Eastern's student body who feel their first amendment rights are being trampled by a particular university policy."
"Backed by free speech support groups like the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and united by a single cause despite political differences, students appeared ready to stand up and echo Patrick Henry: 'Give me liberty, or give me death!'"
(Insert raucous applause here.)
"And in this corner, weighing in at approximately 560-acres and wearing maroon, we have the juggernaut that is Eastern Kentucky University."
"Viewed by some as a faceless collection of powers-that-be, the university's rules and policies are under constant scrutiny from both the student body and a certain student publication that shall remain unnamed."
"Ladies and gentlemen, it appears the student body will no longer tolerate the inhibition of free speech on campus and its limitation to "free speech areas." But the university will defend itself, respond accordingly and will not budge without a fight…"
"L-L-L-LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLLLLE!"
This is the part where the crowd goes wild.
But maybe we should all just hang on a second - because maybe this is all just a big misunderstanding.
Before the unstoppable force goes slamming into the immovable object, let's get the facts straight and see if we can't diffuse the situation a bit.
On Sept. 28, EKU Police confronted a small group of students protesting Rep. Ben Chandler's visit to Eastern. The group was protesting beside the Daniel Boone statue near the Keen Johnson Building, and was told by police their protest was in violation of university policy. Threatened with arrest and given no alternatives, the group was understandably upset.
The policy they were supposedly in violation of has a mouthful of a name (of course): It's called the "Use of Free Speech Areas and Literature Distribution Agreement For External Individuals and Organizations" policy. It can be found online and is located under the jurisdiction of something called the Office of Student Development.
In brief, the policy designates areas of Powell Plaza and areas of the Ravine as "free speech areas." These are the areas available for rallies, protests and other events that are to be held on campus.
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