The University of Central Arkansas, a public university in Conway, Arkansas, has received a yellow speech code rating from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
Institutions that hold a yellow-light speech code rating are defined as ones that have “at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application.”
One ambiguous policy the University of Central Arkansas holds is Board Policy 406: Free Speech. This policy states, “The area adjacent to the southwest corner of Ferguson Chapel, not to exceed fifty (50) feet in any direction, is hereby designated as a limited public forum. On a first-come, first-served basis individuals or organizations may utilize this designated forum for free speech purposes without registration, 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. However, no amplification equipment may be used and no structure(s) may be erected. All other areas of the campus must be scheduled for such use and approved by the university.”
This policy effectively serves to create a “Free Speech Zone.” A student may not hand out any sort of material or hold any sort of public event outside the designated area without risking repercussions from the college administration. Even within this free speech zone, limits are imposed. No amplification equipment, such as microphones, may be used. No structures may be built within the area as well. A structure is vague wording and has the potential to mean anything from podiums to poster boards.
When asked about the potential repercussions for violating this policy, Christina Madsen, associate vice president of communications, public relations, and marketing, told the Washington Examiner in an email, “The University official would ask the student or student group to relocate to the public forum designated in Board Policy 406. Refusal to relocate could result in removal from the premises or referral to the Dean of Students.”
“The University of Central Arkansas says that they will remove students from ‘the premises’ just because they are exercising their First Amendment rights — how Orwellian is that?” Alexander Staudt, Young Americans for Liberty director of free speech, told the Washington Examiner.
“Free speech on college campuses is so vitally important for the purpose of open dialogue and conversations. College is a formational time for young adults, and we must never restrict the opportunity to hear other thoughts, no matter what they are,” Brendon Noyes, Young Americans For Liberty Arkansas state chair, told the Washington Examiner. “As we aim for a better and more free society, we have to look at these foundational moments, ensuring freedom at the local level. If we are able to fight free speech restrictions at college campuses, it pays dividends for even more liberty in the future.”
Nicholas Assi is a student at McDaniel College. He is a Maryland recruitment director and media ambassador for Young Americans for Liberty.
