Talking free speech from outside a ‘free-speech zone’
OK. I understand a university’s need to curb “disruptive behavior.” So I suppose it’s acceptable to tell someone using a bullhorn near classrooms that he should stop doing so.
But it’s outrageous and downright asinine to come back later and tell that same person he not only can’t stand on a taxpayer-funded sidewalk at a taxpayer-funded institution of higher education and talk to fellow students but has to get a permit to talk in a “free-speech zone.”
That’s how I feel after reading this report from the Student Press Law Center about an incident at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta.
If the report is accurate, the administration acted ham-handedly and with censorship in mind.
I’ll be investigating further in hopes there’s more to this than meets the eye.
My opinions are my own until I tell you otherwise.
– Sonny Albarado, free speech advocate.
Tags: First Amendment, free speech, free speech zone, Georgia Perimeter College, Student Press Law Center
Defending the First Amendment and promoting open government are more crucial now than ever. Join SPJ's fight for the publics right to know either as an SPJ Supporter or a professional, student or retired journalist.