Demonstration raises questions about USC free-speech policy
Student Affairs says it is reviewing free speech policy to clear up misconceptions.
Alexander Comisar and Erica McNamara
Issue date: 4/25/07 Section: News
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About 15 students gathered in Hahn Plaza Tuesday afternoon to symbolically protest what they say is a designated free-speech zone on campus.
The demonstration was just the latest act in a campus-wide debate over USC's free-expression policy.
The university's free-expression policy - which designates the area around Tommy Trojan as a free demonstration zone where groups may assemble without a permit or permission - has faced scrutiny from students who say it restricts their First Amendment rights on campus. Administrators maintain the entire campus is open to free speech, however.
The members of the Free Culture club expressed their discontent by marking the borders of the plaza in red tape and placing flyers outside the boundaries that read, "This is not a free speech zone."
"We're just a group of students concerned about what free speech means here on USC's campus," said Cameron Parkins, a junior majoring in international relations. "We want to visually tape off the free-speech zone and then have people explore those constraints and what they mean."
Such student confusion over the university's policy on free expression and dissent has prompted the Department of Student Affairs to rework this segment of the SCampus Student Guidebook.
Amy Johnson, associate dean of Student Affairs, said the university is "concerned that folks are interpreting the policy in ways we didn't intend."
Though Student Affairs revises SCampus every year, the free-expression policy has not been changed for at least three years, she said.
Johnson said the proposed SCampus changes would most likely eliminate any references to "Trojan Square" in the policy to clarify any misconceptions regarding the policy and make it as clear as possible.
"Free speech is one of the things that makes this university great," Johnson said. "We don't want to change our approach to it, but rather eliminate any and all confusion surrounding it."
In addition to being offended by the concept of one designated campus free-speech area, some students and faculty said they are frustrated by alleged administrative ambiguity.
The demonstration was just the latest act in a campus-wide debate over USC's free-expression policy.
The university's free-expression policy - which designates the area around Tommy Trojan as a free demonstration zone where groups may assemble without a permit or permission - has faced scrutiny from students who say it restricts their First Amendment rights on campus. Administrators maintain the entire campus is open to free speech, however.
The members of the Free Culture club expressed their discontent by marking the borders of the plaza in red tape and placing flyers outside the boundaries that read, "This is not a free speech zone."
"We're just a group of students concerned about what free speech means here on USC's campus," said Cameron Parkins, a junior majoring in international relations. "We want to visually tape off the free-speech zone and then have people explore those constraints and what they mean."
Such student confusion over the university's policy on free expression and dissent has prompted the Department of Student Affairs to rework this segment of the SCampus Student Guidebook.
Amy Johnson, associate dean of Student Affairs, said the university is "concerned that folks are interpreting the policy in ways we didn't intend."
Though Student Affairs revises SCampus every year, the free-expression policy has not been changed for at least three years, she said.
Johnson said the proposed SCampus changes would most likely eliminate any references to "Trojan Square" in the policy to clarify any misconceptions regarding the policy and make it as clear as possible.
"Free speech is one of the things that makes this university great," Johnson said. "We don't want to change our approach to it, but rather eliminate any and all confusion surrounding it."
In addition to being offended by the concept of one designated campus free-speech area, some students and faculty said they are frustrated by alleged administrative ambiguity.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Lewis
posted 4/25/07 @ 7:08 AM PST
This is a great article. USC Free Culture believes most fundamentally that USC's integrity as a university is at risk. Lori White says that "misconceptions" exist, but the misconception exists in the administration's mind. (Continued…)
Richard
posted 4/25/07 @ 12:50 PM PST
Recall when the administration moved a silent, 15-person demonstration from the steps of the bookstore to the free speech zone. According to this article, that demonstration was "activity [that] interferes with the essential and operational opportunities of the university. (Continued…)
D
posted 4/25/07 @ 7:14 PM PST
First amendment rights dont apply on private property
J
posted 4/26/07 @ 12:39 AM PST
Hey, seriously?
Like seriously?
Put your butt in my mouth.
For realz.
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