Political Turmoil Highlights Need for University Free Speech Zones

By Ashley Lollar

Free speech is a guaranteed right to all Americans. As a public university, anyone

can express their opinions on campus, within reason. However, with all of the political
controversy, racial disputes, and religious arguments currently surrounding the country, it
is important that students and speakers are aware of University of Georgias free speech
zones.
One of the ways people exercise their free speech right is by expressing their
opinions in the University of Georgia Tate Plaza. Throughout the week, clubs like UGA
Miracle, Shop With a Bulldawg, Relay for Life, and community members will stand in the
plaza, in front of a temporary table, and try to raise awareness for a club or advocate for a
cause.
One man that can often be seen preaching about Jesus Christ is Chike. He said that
his main goal is that people would hear the Word and respond to the Gospel message that
Jesus Christ came and died for our sins and all that believe in Him will have eternal life.
Chike is trying to exercise his free speech right but his presence is not welcomed by
all. Sydney Wiederhold, a junior at UGA, said, I dont like when the preachers are there. It
makes me mad because they are sending a wrong message to people.
Some believe that free speech is threatening to universities because it may incite
violence. In a recent study done by Brookings, they found that 20% of college students
think it is okay to resort in violence as a reaction to something they dont believe in.
When Chike heard this statistic, he appeared to become very nervous. Wow. If
someone is preaching about something you dont agree with, you should be civil and
courteous That is the only way we can coexist.
Even though free speech is a universal right, some are starting to question whether
it belongs on a college campus. College universities were founded to provide an education
to its students and free speech protests and rallies have disrupted this focus in the past.
As a solution to these concerns, the university has established specific free speech
zones on campus where community members can come to express their thoughts. The
main zone is the Tate Plaza. Speakers who are not students on campus are not allowed to
move outside these zones when they wish to share their thoughts with others.
Katie-Anne Barnes, a junior at UGA, said I think these zones are a good thing
because I dont think free speakers should be allowed just anywhere on campus.
While these free speech zones are a great compromise, Chike was not aware of the
limits for free speech zones. To my recollection there are no free speech zones. The entire
campus is open; but I may be wrong.
If these zones are to effectively allow free speech while also protecting our campus,
speakers and students must be aware of the limits to the zones. Tori Van der Gaag, a
sophomore at UGA, said that she was unaware of the free speech zones in place for
community members. In fact, only one of the nine students interviewed was aware of the
free speech zones at all.
As the campus continues to welcome community members who are sharing their
beliefs, it is more important than ever that people know the areas they are allowed to speak
freely so that the university can stay focused on education.