Bedford Blockade Sparks Debate
Wall around Bedford is seen by some as potential Free Speech Wall
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: News
|
Rotunda Reporter
Just recently, flyers were posted displaying, "Free Speech Wall," advertising students to come behind the Lankford Student Union Tuesday, November 17 from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. This concept was presented by Longwood's Creative Writing Program.
"We would love a Free Speech Wall solely for the purpose of giving the individual student a voice as opposed to large groups," said sophomore Amy Ellis, the project manager for the Free Speech Wall. Ellis continued to say that "…a wall would allow one student to say his or her opinion."
The idea has been tossed around by some students to use the wall around Bedford as the Free Speech Wall. Cameron Patterson, President of the Student Government Association (SGA) said "since the wall has to be there for the next 2 years when they finish construction, I do think that it would be nice if the art students could use the wall to paint some murals and do some type of design work," Ellis however maintained that the wall around Bedford has not been discussed as a potential site for the Free Speech Wall. "It's up in the air whether or not we're going to get one," said Ellis.
The concern of the minds of some is potential limitations. Ellis said, "We plan on modeling it after the wall at UVA, which is made of slate, so it's erasable. So that way if someone does write…something really inappropriate, someone could come by and run their hand across it."
Some believe that all comments should be preapproved. But Ellis disagrees. "No, they shouldn't have to have prior approval," she said.
Throughout campus many students agree that a Free Speech Wall would be a good thing for Longwood. Sophomore Patrick Sawyer, a Political Science major believes that it would be a positive thing to have on campus, however, with some restrictions, "I think it would be a good idea if it [the wall] weren't so long," Sawyer said.
Sophomore David Slack also believes that having a Free Speech Wall on Longwood's campus is a good idea. Slack liked the idea of a Free Speech Wall on campus saying, "It sounds like a great idea. I am from Charlottesville and we have a stone Free Speech Wall on the downtown mall and I love it. I think that putting a Free Speech Wall anywhere, but especially by Bedford, would be an amazing idea."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Cameron Patterson
posted 11/18/09 @ 11:22 PM EST
I encourage the students that are fighting for the free-speech wall to speak with SGA Senator Brian Manderville. Brian did alot of research surrounding this issue a few years ago and presented it to the Student Government Association. (Continued…)
Post a Comment