Spring Break
Group tackles CSU free-speech policy
James Baetke
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: News
Martinez said FIRE was reading an outdated version of the free speech zone policy and was misinformed. Since, the university has made sure the online version is corrected and matches that which is stated in the Student Code of Conduct.
"The Peaceful Assembly at CSU policy designates the Plaza as the 'primary public forum space for CSU-open to all individuals for the purpose of free speech,'" Martinez said in the letter.
Martinez made it clear Wednesday that most of the campus is available for protests and free speech, including the steps of the Administration Building and the Oval.
Dan Palmer, co-sponsor of the free speech resolution for ASCSU, said he took on the proposed measure to spark debate, adding he knew students could protest anywhere, but with restrictions.
"My understanding is, sure, you can protest anywhere, but you can only have limited materials there," Palmer said, citing that leaflets can only be distributed at certain campus locales.
Lastly, FIRE blasts the university with its advertising policy regulating handbills in the residence halls that promote alcohol and drug use, claiming it smothers students' right to free speech "simply because it's offensive to some."
Martinez said the policy will stay, but intends to review the measure and make revisions.
"We hold the principle of free speech as very important," Martinez said.
CSU Libertarians have worked closely with FIRE and vow to voice their opinion on restrictive free speech on campus.
"I feel our free speech has been limited and it's a bad precedent," said Ian Bezak, a freshman economics major and campus Libertarian member. "We are very much for upholding First Amendment rights."
City Editor James Baetke can be reached at news@collegian.com.
"The Peaceful Assembly at CSU policy designates the Plaza as the 'primary public forum space for CSU-open to all individuals for the purpose of free speech,'" Martinez said in the letter.
Martinez made it clear Wednesday that most of the campus is available for protests and free speech, including the steps of the Administration Building and the Oval.
Dan Palmer, co-sponsor of the free speech resolution for ASCSU, said he took on the proposed measure to spark debate, adding he knew students could protest anywhere, but with restrictions.
"My understanding is, sure, you can protest anywhere, but you can only have limited materials there," Palmer said, citing that leaflets can only be distributed at certain campus locales.
Lastly, FIRE blasts the university with its advertising policy regulating handbills in the residence halls that promote alcohol and drug use, claiming it smothers students' right to free speech "simply because it's offensive to some."
Martinez said the policy will stay, but intends to review the measure and make revisions.
"We hold the principle of free speech as very important," Martinez said.
CSU Libertarians have worked closely with FIRE and vow to voice their opinion on restrictive free speech on campus.
"I feel our free speech has been limited and it's a bad precedent," said Ian Bezak, a freshman economics major and campus Libertarian member. "We are very much for upholding First Amendment rights."
City Editor James Baetke can be reached at news@collegian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Hogan
posted 4/12/07 @ 9:59 PM MST
Interesting piece, I always wondered about the Plaza. Thanks for the article.
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