Louisiana university bans political emails -- and not backing down so far
We read:
"Weeks ahead of a crucial midterm election, Grambling State University in Louisiana has banned its students and faculty members from forwarding "campaign solicitations" using the school's e-mail system, contending it is a violation of Louisiana law because it would amount to an institutional "endorsement" of a campaign.
"We would hope the university would make it clear what student involvement (in politics) should be," said Robert C. Wiley, an independent mayoral candidate in Grambling who filed a complaint against the university with the American Civil Liberties Union and the student advocacy group Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).
FIRE sent a letter to Grambling State contending that the ban is a violation of state law and the U.S. Constitution because students and employees have a right to express their support for political candidates.
"We hope public support for those rights will persuade them to abide by Louisiana state law," said Adam Kissel, vice president of programs at FIRE, which sent a letter to the university's president on Sept. 1 advising him that his policy is unconstitutional.
Source
6 comments:
How could a university that teaches our kids think for one moment that somehow political speech would be unlawful? that is exactly why the first amendment was written and should be a no-brainer. To put the spin on this that it could be seen as state endorsement of certain candidates is utterly ridiculous.
Keep in mind that the school is not allowing "it's computers" (ie: the govts computers) to be used for electioneering and campaigning. It's no different than not allowing people to campaign in or near polling places where votes are cast. (also a law) It can clearly create the impression the govt. favors one side over another. This time, i agree with the school.
It should be noted that Grambling is one of Louisana's 'black' colleges. I'm not sure if they're trying to protect themselves legally or they're trying to protect the liberal university mantra and BO.
As far as the computers go...the Students (probably not faculty) pay to use the service through technology fees.
As far as the computers go...the Students (probably not faculty) pay to use the service through technology fees.
That doesn't mean they can use the computers to break the law.
It seems to me that the school is making a distinction that FIRE is not. The school is talking about soliciting for a candidate. FIRE is talking about promoting a candidate.
There is a difference.
Did anyone notice that the university's logic is faulty? If it is illegal for a government computer to deliver political advertisements, how can it be legal for the Post Office, which is run by the Federal Government, to do so?
Why there are so many comments in this blog?
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