Thoughts on Free Speech Zones

A university has stopped students from handing out copies of the US Constitution. They stated that this kind of behavior should only be done in the "Free Speech Zone."

I have to admit, I am conflicted about these "Free Speech Zones." I first saw one in Tempe, at their library. On one hand the entire USA is supposed to be a "Free Speech Zone." On the other hand, people should have the right to go about their day in peace. The one in Tempe was kind of right in front of the library but not so much that you had to walk by it to get inside.

What are your feelings on this?

There's no profanity rules here at DT, which means I must use my own self-control.

And I can't. I just can't.

Can't hand out THE CONSTITUTION?!?!

I gotta go....

Campuses are a big focus for all sorts of groups.

On the other hand "protest" elicits something different than just passing out literature. People get removed for trying to shout at politicians all the time. Is that right?

Quote: Face

Can't hand out THE CONSTITUTION?!?!

Why the surprise? The FBI and armed forces are considering Constitution groups near-terrorist groups of concern.

The problem is they are afraid we might read it.

As far as zones. I don't know. You can stand outside the Supreme Court waving the Constitution. And people do that. But that doesn't mean you can go in and wave it in front of the judges, or probably a lot of other places in that area.

And that is the Supreme Court. And the Constitution is their business.

Quote: rxwine

As far as zones. I don't know. You can stand outside the Supreme Court waving the Constitution. And people do that. But that doesn't mean you can go in and wave it in front of the judges, or probably a lot of other places in that area.

And that is the Supreme Court. And the Constitution is their business.

This is "negative rights vs positive rights." In the USA we have negative rights. IOW, you can do something unless it is prohibited. Clearly you cannot disrupt court is session. OTOH the Supremes do not say, "You can only waive the Constitution here at 'x'."

The Universities are doing positive rights. Positive rights are oppression.

Quote: AZDuffman

This is "negative rights vs positive rights." In the USA we have negative rights. IOW, you can do something unless it is prohibited. Clearly you cannot disrupt court is session. OTOH the Supremes do not say, "You can only waive the Constitution here at 'x'."

The Universities are doing positive rights. Positive rights are oppression.

Nope, REAL oppression is when it is the public sidewalk, that's why pornslappers still win. This is a campus.

What say you? They do have a zone there.

BTW, this policy vs freedom goes on high school. You can't freely express every form of speech any time you wish in High School, clothing,, signs, etc.,

Goes on in college too.

Quote: rxwine

BTW, this policy vs freedom goes on high school. You can't freely express every form of speech any time you wish in High School, clothing,, signs, etc.,

Goes on in college too.

IIRC the Supremes have drawn lines that give college students more freedom than High School kids. In student newspapers for one place.

I took this pic in front of John Ascuaga's Nugget casino in Sparks, NV in 2011, at the edge of the property. I was baffled.