2008 Woodie Awards
University approves free speech zone near Curris Center, Carr Health
Amanda Crider
Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: News
People wanting to speak on Murray State's campus now have a new place to do so.
Murray State's Board of Regents approved a free speech zone during its Nov. 30 meeting, allowing more people the opportunity to express their thoughts and beliefs to Murray State students.
Before the creation of the free speech zone, the student handbook's solicitation policy required all speakers to obtain on-campus sponsors in order to speak on University property.
This policy was brought under scrutiny last year when evangelist James G. "Bro. Jim" Gilles sued Murray State in 2006 and asked for an injunction suspending Murray State's sponsor requirement.
Although U.S. District Judge Thomas Russell ruled in Murray State's favor, the lawsuit partially affected the creation of the free speech zone.
Curris Center Director Jim Baurer said the new zone will be located between the Curris Center and Carr Health.
"I think that colleges and universities are about expressing ideas and it's important that people have an outlet to express themselves," Baurer said.
Although the free speech zone is open to everyone, there are a few guidelines. Speakers must sign up at least three days in advance and may only reserve two days at a time.
"Anybody can speak there, but they have to sign-up in advance," Baurer said. "That's so we don't have two people show up at the same time wanting to speak. … It's important for (potential speakers) to know it's a reservation system, not an approval system. We don't have to approve their topic."
Director of grounds and building services, Wayne Harper, said there are plans to eventually build a platform of some sort in the free speech zone once prices are compared.
Despite the lack of a platform, the zone is open and ready for reservations.
Baurer, however, said there is currently no one signed up to use the space.
"I don't expect there to be anyone until the weather breaks a bit," Baurer said. "I would guess it would be about March until we see a lot of use out of it."
Murray State's Board of Regents approved a free speech zone during its Nov. 30 meeting, allowing more people the opportunity to express their thoughts and beliefs to Murray State students.
Before the creation of the free speech zone, the student handbook's solicitation policy required all speakers to obtain on-campus sponsors in order to speak on University property.
This policy was brought under scrutiny last year when evangelist James G. "Bro. Jim" Gilles sued Murray State in 2006 and asked for an injunction suspending Murray State's sponsor requirement.
Although U.S. District Judge Thomas Russell ruled in Murray State's favor, the lawsuit partially affected the creation of the free speech zone.
Curris Center Director Jim Baurer said the new zone will be located between the Curris Center and Carr Health.
"I think that colleges and universities are about expressing ideas and it's important that people have an outlet to express themselves," Baurer said.
Although the free speech zone is open to everyone, there are a few guidelines. Speakers must sign up at least three days in advance and may only reserve two days at a time.
"Anybody can speak there, but they have to sign-up in advance," Baurer said. "That's so we don't have two people show up at the same time wanting to speak. … It's important for (potential speakers) to know it's a reservation system, not an approval system. We don't have to approve their topic."
Director of grounds and building services, Wayne Harper, said there are plans to eventually build a platform of some sort in the free speech zone once prices are compared.
Despite the lack of a platform, the zone is open and ready for reservations.
Baurer, however, said there is currently no one signed up to use the space.
"I don't expect there to be anyone until the weather breaks a bit," Baurer said. "I would guess it would be about March until we see a lot of use out of it."
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