by Ezra Pena
SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Texas State students have
expressed diverse opinions toward recent laws implemented by the government as
a response to free speech issues taking place on college campuses, both locally
and nationally.
In recent months, President Trump signed an executive order
to revoke research and education grants from public universities if failure to
promote free speech occurs. Gov. Greg Abbott then signed Senate Bill 18, directly impacting Texas campuses, which considers outdoor common areas as public forums
and protects student organizations from being denied university service based
on their viewpoint. Free speech on college campuses has become a hot button
issue, nationally and locally, due to several incidents
of riots and resistance towards individuals and organizations pursuing a controversial
platform.
In April, Texas
State’s student government initiated a resolution to bar the conservative group Turning Point USA from campus due to claims of harassing students and faculty, illegally
funding student government candidates and protecting hate speech under the
guise of the First Amendment. A month after, four students were arrested on
campus during a counter-protest in response to the Texas Nomads Sons of the
American Revolution’s statement on social media that they would be holding a
rally to oppose the TPUSA ban, but the group never arrived.
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| Everett Hughes Photo Credit: Samuel Bates |
“By letting groups
[on campus] that are more likely to breed hateful speech, you are giving a platform to the hate,” English major Everett Hughes said. “A campus has every
group, every race, every language, so when you let a group that is against that
level of diversity speak you are only allowing more violent natures to come out.”
With SB 18 affecting
Texas State, senior Kayla Whitley feels the law could be beneficial or bad for
diversity, depending on a student’s temperament.
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| Kayla Whitley Photo Credit: Vanessa Gerlich |
“I think it’s good
that people are protected and expressing themselves here on campus, but a lot
of…this campus is very diverse,” Whitely said. “I feel that can cause eruptions
as well because everyone is going to feel the need to express themselves and
make sure that they’re heard. I feel like it could both help and hurt.”
Some see
the enforced efforts of the government as a ploy to threaten the federal
funding of institutions that conservatives might find unacceptable.
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| Alison Castillo Photo Credit: Aaron Esparza |
“It’s a gross way to
take advantage of your role and one of the most selfish things I’ve seen a
government official do,” Texas State criminal justice major Alison Castillo
said. “I especially have a problem with [Gov.] Abbott and President Trump’s
twisted efforts to advocate for free speech because it’s clear they would only
throw an adult-tantrum for the [“alt-right”], never both sides equally, despite
the oath they took to represent all people.”
According to the Knight Foundation, current undergrad students were asked if hate speech should
continue to be protected by the First Amendment, and 58 percent said that it should
while 41 percent disagreed. When asked locally, the student responses were
spread across the board.
“On principle, I am a huge
supporter of the First Amendment and advocate for the voicing of opinions even
if I disagree wholeheartedly with the person speaking,” Castillo said.
Sophomore Taylor Warner
stands firm against hate speech being protected by the First Amendment,
believing it encourages division among people instead of uniting.
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| Taylor Warner Photo Credit: Alex Wade |
“In my opinion
hate speech shouldn’t be allowed, especially on [a] campus that promotes
inclusivity and diversity," Warner said. "I would definitely feel more at ease if hate groups
weren’t allowed on campus."
Texas State junior Ryan
Taylor feels conflicted since people have certain triggers but ultimately feels
indifferent when it comes to affecting him.
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| Ryan Taylor Photo Credit: Alex Wade |
“For me I don’t care what
you say; that’s your opinion, not my reality; however, it should be controlled
and micromanaged so that it's not provoking someone,” Taylor said.
Texas universities have until 2020 to report their compliance with SB
18. Until then, whether the new law will properly elevate conversations on college campuses or keep
current issues at a standstill will be a question sustained.
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