The College Fix

On Sept. 16 the University of Alabama was a center for political activity. The state’s gubernatorial candidates were present for a debate and several groups exercised their right to free speech on campus. But just how free were these groups to exercise their first amendment rights?

“As an institution of higher learning, the University of Alabama attaches great value to freedom of speech and open debate, but it also attaches great importance to the principles of civility and respect that govern an academic community,” Director of Media Relations Cathy Andreen said.

Starting in the 1960s, public universities became common sites for public demonstrations and social activism, especially for rallies concerning the Vietnam War. This trend started dwindling in the 1980s and 90s. During this time, according to firstamendmentcenter.org, universities began enacting speech codes to instill greater civility on public campuses. […]

According to Mallory Flowers, president of the University of Alabama’s chapter of Environmental Council, the student organization went through the proper process to acquire a permit for last Thursday’s rally. Flowers said the process was confusing because various offices on campus had different answers concerning whether the group needed a permit to hold their rally or not.

“Some offices told us there were designated free speech zones while others told us we needed to get a permit. At one point I was even given a map outlining First Amendment areas on campus. Finally, we learned we did need to acquire a permit from UA Grounds and Facilities,” Flowers said.

Read the full story at the Crimson White.

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