First Amendment protection must continue for chalking on campus

When someone visits the University of South Dakota and sees the Al Neuharth Media Center, they will see the words of the First Amendment proudly displayed on the outside of the building.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Freedom of speech has been upheld time and time again to be a universal standard by which we govern our society in the U.S.

People of the left-winged and right-winged political parties seem to fundamentally agree that persons should be allowed to speak their mind as they see fit.

Some universities throughout the country have tried to limit this freedom of speech to certain areas known as “free-speech zones.”

The very notion of a “free-speech zone” asserts that a person’s free speech rights do not extend past the boundaries set by the university.

Public universities are paid for by tax dollars and, as an extension of that fact, should be public domain.

Basically, since public universities are collectively owned by the tax-payers, they should ensure that there is no barrier to free speech anywhere on campus.

Recently, sidewalk chalkings around campus concerning pro-life and pro-choice have sparked debate and ignited passions for several causes.

Reviews of the student body range from vitriol against those that chalked up the sidewalks to admiration for the time and energy that was put into accomplishing this task.

No matter where one stands on any kind of issue being advocated for, it is essential that we come together and recognize that students have a right to chalk.

Chalking is protected speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution. Any attempt by the school administration to limit the chalking or confine it to certain areas and certain times of the year would be an infringement on the rights of these students.

Debate is good. Debate sparks action. Debate ignites passions. Debate should not be squashed in any way.

The Supreme Court of the United States has decided that even the most vile and hateful speech like the slogans of the Westboro Baptist Church is protected speech and must be allowed under the law.

Other rulings have determined that political contributions and flag burning are also protected speech.

The university has a duty to uphold the law as determined by our Supreme Court and legislators.

The university should be a place where students can advocate for causes they believe to be just and proper.

In this case, the chalk messages do at least have some level of support among the American populace.

The university must continue to ensure that the right to chalk around campus and advocate for causes is absolute and not infringed upon.