The Voice

If you are “going to hell” with all the other “fornicators, liars, and hypocrites” according to Brother Jed Smock, the latest in a string of preachers to drop in for a scream-off on campus, you are aware of the power of the First Amendment.

Free speech zones, like the ones set up on Front Campus whenever a fire-and-brimstone preacher comes to condemn GCSU students, are set up strategically to appease both the messenger and audience.

In the turmoil of the 1960s, when the free speech of young people was at the forefront of American culture, colleges recognized the problems inherent in trying to function as normal while still allowing unconditional freedom of speech. The result was these “zones” which are set aside to allow students to speak and listen freely, while keeping the school running separately.

Any GCSU student has the right to utilize the free speech zone, located at the Flagpole Plaza at the east end of Front Campus, at any time. Registered Student Organizations can set up stands, recruit new members, etc. According to the official free speech policy of GCSU, “as long as they aren’t disrupting university business, abusing the rights of individuals or preventing pedestrians from getting to their destinations,” students have the right to say what they want to say.

Take advantage of this. You’re in college, you are developing strong opinions about the world you live in, so why not put them out there for others to listen and respond to? Get a group of friends who are passionate about a cause and get others to hear you. The point is to encourage healthy debate among the young people who will shape the future of our country. Speak your mind, even if it means stepping on some toes. Most importantly, appreciate the freedom our Constitution gives us and be thankful to live in a country where you have it.

Please send responses to ColonnadeLetters@gcsu.edu.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 20 2009. Filed under Our Voice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry