Go green

College must enact speech code changes

By: The Virginia Informer

Posted: 4/23/08

Freedom of speech is an individual right that is at the very heart of this nation. Such freedoms are something to be treasured in universities, where new ideas are the lifeblood of the academic world. Currently, many within the William and Mary administration seem to understand the inherent worth of allowing free speech on campus. But there are more steps that need to be taken to ensure this is maintained and expanded. The first step must be to reform our speech code, transitioning us from a "red light" to a "green light" university, as awarded by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).

Braum Katz ('10), the undersecretary of Student Rights for Free Speech Advocacy, has been working tirelessly to reform the current speech code to designate the College as a FIRE "green light" university. We commend his outstanding leadership in this effort. His recent proposals to the college administration, which address such matters as harassment and threats as well as reasonable time and place restrictions, would ensure that protected speech is not limited if enacted.

The Virginia Informer strongly advocates for the implementation of these proposals. By reforming our code, we will prevent any future abuses of limiting speech. Furthermore, if we improve our code and receive a "green light" designation from FIRE, our College will join the ranks of other select universities which have proven their dedication to the defense of liberty. These changes will guarantee the free exchange of ideas and continued presence of differing opinions. It is without reservation that The Virginia Informer advocates for the preservation of freedom of speech at William and Mary by implementing these reforms.