Students speak up about free speech

By Michael Moeschler

The university recently approved free speech outside of a small designated zone. But some students say the administration hasn't gone far enough.

On Feb. 2 the University Policy Committee (UPC) approved interim regulations that created eight additional locations on campus where students could exercise their right to free speech. A sub committee consisting of faculty, staff and students was established to review the current policy and offer recommendations to be implemented in the fall of 2003.

Before the introduction of the interim policy, protesting students were confined to the brick area between the Campus Bookstore and Shapell Lounge.

"I don't think that establishing more zones is addressing the issue," said Associated Students President Kristin Love. "It's ridiculous that we have specific zones on campus where we should be allowed to have free speech. I think a lot of students are looking for Santa Clara to affirm itself as a place where people can have a free exchange of ideas."

Love, who is also a representative of the sub committee believes that she and the five other members of the committee will be able to offer the UPC appropriate suggestions in reforming the policy.

Love also asked that the entire campus community voice their opinion. "It's really important that everyone take a stance on this," said Love. "[The policy] is an issue that affects everyone and it's going to be something that affects the university for a long time to come. Students, faculty and staff have a role in this decision."

Faculty sub committee member Kathleen Maxwell sees the interim policy as taking the necessary steps to facilitate change. "I think [the policy] makes very significant changes and certainly attempts to be far more flexible in responding," said Maxwell, an art history professor. "I was also impressed with what Fr. Locatelli signed a week ago because I think in this revised document he does try and address some of these issues that have been the concern of students, faculty and staff."

In a campus-wide email sent last Monday, President Paul Locatelli, S.J., wrote that the interim policy came about for several reasons. Locatelli cited that last spring's fast on the steps of the Mission Church as well as current plans for expressive activity related to the possible war with Iraq motivated the creation of an interim, short-term policy.

Director of Santa Clara's Community Action Program (SCCAP) Blair Thedinger expressed mixed emotions about the increase of zones around campus. "I do appreciate the university administrations attempt to expand the policy in prediction that there will be more demonstrations coming up in this politically heated atmosphere," said Thedinger. "But of course, I would have liked to see them go further."

Thedinger criticized the relevance of all free speech zones on campus. "A lot of policies continue to be contradictory to the notion and the idea of free speech," said Thedinger. "It's hypocritical in itself to create zones and regulations on free speech to such an ex-treme manner. I'm not personally concerned about it though, because I feel that if we need to demonstrate then we will as a group of students determine the best and most appropriate way to do that."

Senior Lindsey Lockwood, who helped draft a proposal to eliminate the free speech zone, echoed Thedinger's sentiments. "I think it was good that the amendments suggested that what was important about using the free speech zone is that the content of the event be preserved," said Lockwood. "But I think there is still a lot of room to grow. I don't think the interim policy is sufficient at this point."

According to the interim policy, students wanting to participate in expressive activity must first contact Matt Cameron, director of Benson Memorial Center and Dean of Student Life Jeanne Rosenberger before an event. Rosenberger and Cameron will approve an event after reviewing a specific set of criteria regarding the content of the event, expected crowd size and the availability of furnishings like chairs and tables.

"I think that if you're identifying something as a free speech event, or something where free speech comes into question, it's ridiculous that people are being asked to sign papers or reserve locations," said Love.

The expanded free speech zones include: the area East of Walsh Administration Building (adjacent to the Alameda Mall), Kenna Staff Lawn (St. Ignatius statue area), Santa Clara Mall (fountain area), East of de Saisset Museum, Kennedy Mall, in front of Orradre Library, the Benson Memorial Center East Plaza and the Athletic Fields.

Locations for overnight protests were also created in the interim policy. Overnight activity can take place at the Santa Clara Mall, the area in front of Orradre and the Benson Memorial Center East Plaza.

Marches will be coordinated with Rosenberger and Cameron as well as the event sponsors. A route will be identified beforehand and no march will be conducted at a noise level that interferes with university functions, according to the interim time, place and manner regulations.

Members of the sub committee, and others are optimistic that common ground will be reached. "I think there's an opportunity here to come up with a document that is far more responsive than the one we have," said Maxwell. "It's already there in part, but how much further can we be expected to go depends on students."