Posters are essential to campus activities

Recently, the university sent out a statement concerning students and the issue of free expression. In addition to the freedom of expression policy, the university has drafted a set of guidelines for clubs and individuals regarding the posting of promotional materials. While both drafts include certain elements that could be improved, the requirements outlined regarding the posting of literature has several fundamental flaws. The freedom of expression policy is available online and the posting rules were e-mailed to the leaders of student organizations. Both of these documents can have a far-reaching impact on student life. Many students would criticize both of these documents on the grounds they infringe on freedom of speech and freedom of expression. I certainly agree with this sentiment, however, I believe a less legal, simpler and more appealing critique of the proposals exists. While the university has a very larger number of organized clubs on campus, the number of students actually participating in at least one organization is extremely low for a school of this size. One of the reasons so many students do not participate in an organization is because they are unable to come in contact with any information concerning the club they are interested in. The issue of low participation is not one of finding a club of interest, but actually finding the information of when the club meets. The draft policy would result in students only being able to post notifications on bulletin boards throughout campus. Under such a policy, no materials can be posted on "walls, doors, windows, poles, signs, bus shelters, trash receptacles, fences, sidewalks, trees or shrubs or similar structures." Bulletin boards include those ones that the university plans to establish outside or the current bulletin boards in academic buildings and mail rooms. The policy further restricts student posters to being no larger than 8.5' x 11 inches and no more than one flier per organization can be placed on each bulletin board. Also, staff will clear the bulletin boards on a designated day of every week. As a result, a recently posted note could easily be taken down right after posting. The policy also limits the usage of chalking to "outdoor main walkways." Students will not be allowed to chalk those areas at the entrance of buildings. The consequences of such a policy will result in reducing the amount of participation in campus activities and organizations. Fundamental to the Department of Campus Activities is a responsibility to promote the free flow of information between organizations and students. Certainly, it is understandable for the university to have a desire to maintain an aesthetically pleasing campus. However, signs in the classroom or outdoors do not take away from the quality of an education, nor do they aesthetically clutter the atmosphere. Rather, advertisement postings serve as evidence of an extremely active, passionate and vibrant student body. The university should be proud to have students passionate about their clubs and events. It is also understandable for the university to be concerned about protecting its buildings from being destroyed. However, other common-sense regulations would be much better for such an end. For example, if a sign is posted using duct tape, wall paint could easily be ripped down. It would be much more sensible though to require signs to be posted using masking tape instead of banning all signs from being posted on walls or doors. If organizations wish to advertise their message and meeting time, the ability to post in clearly visible spots is essential. The places where students will see such messages are at the entrances to buildings, on doorways, at the bus stops and in the classrooms. Most students do not stop to read those bulletin boards in the academic buildings, unless they are waiting to get into a classroom. However, the most effective method of publicity is in the classroom. Restricting the ability to put up a sign, to chalk in common spots, or to peacefully protest outside of a building is clearly a First Amendment issue. Most of the criticisms of this policy have concentrated on the issue of free speech. I agree the draft policy does restrict freedom of expression. However, it is also important for students and administrators to analyze what the secondary implications and consequences of such a policy will be. Such a policy will result in even less student participation in organizations because it will be harder to find information. Also, students will be less likely to simply stumble upon an organization they wish to join as a result of less readily available information. Policies must be aimed at promoting participation, not stymieing it. UConn already has an extremely low participation rate in co-curricular activities for a university of its size. Additionally, in elections for student government, this university has an extremely low student turnout. Less information will be visible on campus under this policy and will result in student voting participation falling even further. The Department of Campus Activities probably anticipated that forcing students to post on specific bulletin boards would make information more centralized and more easily attainable. However, the policy in its current form will only result in less information and less communication. Student input was solicited on this policy and the department should be commended for their effort to seek student opinions. Unfortunately, the policy needs serious revisions. Hopefully, the students' comments will be taken into account and the university will submit another draft for feedback from the student body in the future. Today is the last day students will be able to openly comment on the recently drafted freedom of expression policy. No matter how students view the policy, it is essential to provide the administration with feedback. Students have the power to influence this policy. I would encourage students to send comments about the policy to Mr. Joseph Briody of the Department of Campus Activities before the end of today, Friday.

Sources: Free Expression Policy http://www.ca.uconn.edu/FreeExpression.htm