It was very distressing to see UF's response to the threat of free speech at the Dr. Kevorkian event was to corral protesters into "free speech zones."
What's worse is that it was students using their free speech rights at the Kerry and Gonzales events that supposedly prompted these changes.
Yes, those events may have had unintended consequences for the university, but I never imagined one of them would be the future of free speech on campus.
A recent court case stemming from similarly stifling procedures used at the 2004 Democratic National Convention declared the use of "free speech zones" to be unconstitutional.
No matter how absurd or unpopular the speech - and it doesn't get more absurd than saying, "DEATH is not welcome here"- the state has no right to dictate where and how that speech can be delivered, except to protect the rights of others. This is basic civics.
I'm curious to know whether the latest champions of free speech at UF, the College Republicans, are going to make a fuss about this restriction as well. If so, I'd have to tip my hat to the organization for proving their actions at the end of last semester were motivated by more than pure self-interest.
If not, then someone better call the American Civil Liberties Union.
