Free Speech at UGA

We, the undersigned, believe that the freedom of expression policy at
the University of Georgia suppresses the free exchange of ideas and
opinions on campus. Although the university, Georgias flagship
institution of higher education, should encourage the production and
dissemination of a variety of views, our current speech policy
undermines the universitys mission to prepare the university community
and the state for full participation in the global society of the
twenty- first century (http://uga.edu/profile/mission.html). We believe
that UGA students should not be denied our constitutional rights to
assemble and speak freely; however, the freedom of expression policy
hinders our ability to exercise our first amendment rights by imposing
unnecessary limitations on when, where, and how we can engage in
so-called free speech. By relegating students to a few free speech
zones and requiring us to register as approved student groups before we
can speak, post fliers, or hold demonstrations, the freedom of
expression policy limits our political, social, and academic engagement
with the campus community. Further, the university has been named a
repressive environment for free expression by a national organization.
While we recognize the universitys responsibility to maintaining a
respectful and focused learning environment, we are committed to
protecting students rights speak and assemble freely all over campus.