The publicly funded Southern Illinois University Edwardsville holds a red speech code rating, according to a campus free speech rating system belonging to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
A red light institution “has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech.”
SIUE’s most restrictive free speech policy is called the “Responsible Use Policy,” which deems it impermissible to post obscene or offensive material. This includes posting or sending material that is contrary to the mission or values of the school.
“Impermissible uses (some of which may also constitute illegal uses) include, but are not limited to, the following: Posting or sending obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive material; Posting or sending material that is contrary to the mission or values of the University,” the policy reads in part.
According to the university’s policy regarding “Demonstrations of University Property,” the distribution and dissemination of ideas must only occur in one area on campus. The use of the designated area must be scheduled in advance. The use of other areas for a demonstration must also be registered ahead of time.
SIUE recently settled a lawsuit regarding their restrictive speech policies that alleged the school violated the First Amendment by limiting free speech to a small area on campus. Despite settling the lawsuit, the policy has not changed.
“The University is pleased to reach an agreement, but some clarity is necessary regarding the University’s policies and procedures,” Doug McIlhagga, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s executive director of communications, told Red Alert Politics. “SIUE has always supported the notion that every student should be able to speak freely and peacefully, regardless of their political viewpoint and without fear of being punished.”
Despite calling the policy a misunderstanding, the rules remain on the books.
“These policies make me think the Office of the Vice Chancellor needs a copy of the U.S. Constitution in order to understand their policies are unconstitutional. The First Amendment cannot be scheduled on a Google calendar 48 hours in advanced or boxed into a campus quadrangle,” said Young Americans for Liberty’s Director of Free Speech Alex Staudt.
