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| Revised policy expands free speech,
loosens distribution restrictions |
Carrie Baker
Senior Staff Writer
Chancellor/ Student Development Beat
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Josh Brown | Chief Photographer
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A revised version of
Appalachian State University’s free speech policy is now in place
despite initial reservations from administrators.
The new version, effective since August, includes changed policies
concerning the use of campus facilities for free speech and the distribution
of printed materials.
“[The revised policy] clarifies some misunderstandings
that occurred last year,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Development
Dr. Gregory S. Blimling. “Some confusing terminology was improved.” |
The revised policy allows
students two new free speech zones, or Unscheduled Public Speaking
Areas. These zones are the concrete area surrounding the Centennial
statue on Sanford Mall and Duck Pond Field behind Trivette Hall, in
addition to the open-air amphitheatre near Plemmons Student Union.
The policy states, “These areas are available on a first-come,
first-served basis for noncommercial speech unless otherwise scheduled.”
The three “unscheduled public speaking areas” are the only
places on campus where individuals or groups are allowed to gather
for public speaking or peaceful assembly without proper authorization,
according to the policy.
“These changes are significant,” said Ian A. Mance, co-president
of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) at Appalachian State
and a Student Government Association (SGA) senator.
Mance, along with members of the ACLU and the SGA, began their crusade
for increased free speech at Appalachian 11 months ago, said Mance.
“ACLU is the group that made it an issue,” said Mance.
After groups came to the ACLU showing their concern regarding censorship
on campus, Mance and Paul A. Funderburk, co-president of the ACLU
Appalachian chapter and SGA senator, along with other members of the
SGA, wrote the policy proposal and brought the bill to SGA.
The bill passed and was taken to Faculty Senate and administrators
and then stopped at the end of last year.
“At the end of last year, we were very discouraged,” said
Mance.
It was this summer the administration reviewed the proposal again
and decided to change the policy.
The administration had decided not to support the proposal to revise
the policy last year, said Blimling.
This summer, after evaluation of the policy, the administration decided
to accept some of the revision proposals, said Blimling.
“Bottom line was we wanted to be fair,” said Blimling. “What
we want is for students to be able to express themselves. That’s
what colleges and universities are all about.”
“They basically allowed us to have public free speech instead
of being tucked away in the corner,” said Funderburk.
Along with the revision regarding the unscheduled public speaking
areas is a change in the policy about the distribution of printed
materials on campus. Under the new policy, individuals and groups
may now distribute printed materials at any open, exterior campus
space without prior registration or approval.
“Individuals no longer have to have prior approval and names
on printed material,” said Blimling.
“It has nothing to do with controlling what people say. People
can say whatever they want. It’s a matter of control over time,
place and manner,” said Blimling.
Even with the initial reservations from administration members, some
SGA members say they are happy with the final outcome.
SGA President Ryan Eller said he is pleased with the changes in the
policy. “Bottom line, communication on campus has been improved,”
said Eller.
This change in the policy also means one of the Eller/Williams platform
goals to “Increase the Freedom of Speech Zones” has been
met.
“I’m glad to turn another page of what we are working on
in the SGA,” said Eller.
“This is a policy that can benefit every single student,”
said Eller. “We hope students will take advantage of this.” |
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