by Sasha Haunz, Turner Roach, Jenna Haines, Kira Pusateri, and Xavier Hayden
“Go F*nd Yourself, Planned Parenthood!” These words were blatantly stated on an eye-catching poster that was strategically placed outside of the Campus Center in November. The anti-choice stance of the Students for Life America organization sparked immediate criticism from within the Centre community. The group emphasized their desire to redirect federal funding away Planned Parenthood because of its mission to aid those seeking abortion and contraceptive access. Students promptly took to YikYak and GroupMe to express their disapproval for this message to be displayed on campus. Interestingly, this set off a debate about whether or not the Students for Life America, and other controversial organizations, should be allowed to promote their message on our campus.
Around the same time, students received an email informing them that, according to the Student Handbook, they are not permitted to display any flags or signage from college windows that are externally viewable unless they have prior permission from the Dean of Students. To act in accordance with the college’s policy, the students with the flags had no choice but to relocate them.
The presence and outcome of both instances give rise to a relevant discussion regarding Centre’s Student Handbook, specifically its protest and demonstration policies. It is important to note that these policies were recently revised and published last summer without properly notifying faculty, staff, and students. To provide insight, here are a few guidelines taken directly from the Student Handbook:
- “Where signs, banners, posters, chalking, and the like are used outside the guidelines or without prior approval, they may be removed, and the individuals or groups doing so may lose their opportunities to utilize these methods as a result.”
- “Centre employees and students may not claim or appear to represent the views of the institution nor make significant use of Centre resources to support their personal expression.”
- “Centre employees and students may not hang signs, banners, or flags on the outside of College buildings (including in windows, on doors, and other outward facing parts of buildings) to engage in personal expression.”
Though the policies seem reasonable at first-glance, what they lack is transparency in what constitutes approved events, signage, advertising, etc. A prominent example of this occurred last year when students chalked pro-Palestinan phrases on Centre sidewalks and public sidewalks. Subsequently, their messages and pleas were washed away under the rationale that the chalk wasn’t pre-approved, despite the event receiving proper registration permission. However, classes and other non-political organizations frequently host chalk activities, with no complaint from Centre administration. This begs the question of how Centre decides what can and cannot be approved. Without proper guidelines in the Student Handbook, it is unclear who gets to decide and how they decide what statements they do and don’t want to see on campus.
These policies have brought the issue of campus priorities to the forefront. The college rightfully has to maintain reputability, but its role in the protection of free speech has come into question. As a university that prides itself on student life and livelihood, Centre’s obligation is not to decide what can and cannot be expressed. Centre’s responsibility is to create an environment where difference of opinion is accepted and encouraged. Requiring arbitrary approval is not conducive to this environment.
This caught the attention of Dr. Sippy and Dr. Roche who have voiced their concerns about the college’s strict restrictions. In order to take action, they are facilitating a joint task force with the intention of reviewing and revising these policies. In addition, as members of Dr. Wiles’ Fall Sociology 120: Social Structures and Social movements course, we decided to aid the task force in their mission to reform the current policies. This collaboration has primarily focused on providing background research into other institutions and universities’ policies, and providing definitions that are clear and concrete.
While progress to address and reform Centre’s current protest and free expression guidelines has been made, a resolution has yet to be reached. Students with an interest in participating in this collective action can engage by reviewing the current policies held by Centre, and being aware of any potential future listening sessions that would focus on gathering students’ perspectives.
Disclaimer: The idea for this article was sparked during Dr. Wiles’ SOC 120 class, but we by no means claim to be representing the views of Dr. Wiles or the class; we are writing and publishing this article independently.
Opinions expressed by writers and editors do not represent the views of The Cento. The Cento is a non-partisan, unbiased newspaper that seeks to inform students and promote open discourse from all perspectives. If you have opinions, please feel free to share them with The Cento. Email thecento.centre@gmail.com or DM @thecento.centre on Instagram.