This editorial comes comes to you courtesy of the hard-working staff of The San Antonio College newspaper, The Ranger

 

Chalk is cheap. Free speech isn’t.

On Monday, students were reprimanded for drawing in chalk on the
sidewalk of the designated free speech area west of Moody Learning
Center.

Apparently, it was determined that the students were not in compliance
with campus policy because their “free speech” had not been
pre-approved by the office of student life.

This incident draws attention to a number of problems. First, free
speech should not be limited to only a specific area on campus. At a
public institution of higher learning, creativity, free speech and
expression should be encouraged everywhere.

Second, any policy requiring pre-approval of free speech equates to
prior restraint and is in violation of the very concept of free
expression.

Third, it is better for students to express themselves in chalk, which
will wash away the next time it rains, rather than a more permanent
medium. Colorful drawings on a sidewalk are preferable to scrawls of
permanent marker on a bathroom wall or carving on library furniture.
At this college, students often come to campus only to attend classes
and leave promptly afterward. This is partly because many members of
the student body have busy schedules and have to leave for work or to
care for families or fill other responsibilities.

Another explanation can be found in the sterility of the campus. Few
buildings even offer any place for students to informally gather or to
study alone.

But worse, as events on Monday illustrate, this is a campus where
unauthorized expression is stifled. How comfortable can anyone feel in
such an environment?

On March 30, a poetry slam in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts
Center will recognize students for expressing themselves.
In the spirit of this event and with a tip to the start of National
Poetry Month in April, The Ranger encourages students to bring sidewalk chalk March 30 to exercise your rights in the free speech area.*

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech. It doesn’t require
authorization and it doesn’t require advance approval of content.
Neither should this college.



*The college abolished the free speech area (see this week's issue) so
in the mall is fine. We'll provide some chalk but folks also can bring
their own.

In case of rain, we suggest people congregate under covered walkways.

www.theranger.org

 

Brian Parrish,
host of the Casbah

* * * *

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