from: Benjamin Balthaser
to: GSA President
date: Sun, Oct 18, 2009 at 7:22 PM
subject: Comment on the New Proposed Free Speech Policy at UCSD
Dear all,
As you may know, over two years ago, UCSD attempted to pass a draconian "free speech" policy. The policy banned all public gatherings without prior consent by the University and all political speech by University employees on campus. Student and community outrage forced the University to withdraw the proposed policy, and a committee with student representation was formed to rewrite the "Free Speech" Policy at UCSD. This committee met for over a year to create a new policy, and it is now released for community input.
Pasted below is the current proposed revision to the Policy referring to Speech, Advocacy and Distribution. We, the student representatives, acknowledge that it is not an ideal policy, however, we felt it was the best we could do in the committee. While the policy is an improvement over both the existing policy and the proposed policy, there are still elements we feel limit first amendment rights, especially the restrictions on hand-held amplified sound to timed "zones" on campus. Student input on these and other issues is very welcomed.
Current proposed policy: http://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/ppm/updates/proposed510-1parts9and12.pdf
For your reference, the policy that was previously in effect (and continues to be until a new policy is approved) is located at:
Outdoor Space - http://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/ppm/docs/510-1.9.HTML, and
Posting of Literature - http://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/ppm/docs/510-1.12.HTML
From the formal press release releasing this proposal for comment: "All comments received will be evaluated and, as appropriate, incorporated into the policy. Comments should be emailed to Sally Brainerd, PPM510@ucsd.edu, Chair of the Committee."
In addition to emailing comments to Sally Brainerd please CC GSA student representative Benjamin Balthaser
In addition to the UCSD policy, the UC Regents approved 1st amendment restrictions last year on all community members who are not affiliated with UCSD. ALL first amendment activity by non-affiliates (community members who are not students, staff, or faculty), unless sponsored by an affiliate, are now prohibited. There is a committee currently meeting to address how the new UC policy will be implemented.
This policy is here.
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:JWXkGgoJQW0J:ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/PDF/non-affiliates_policy.pdf+UC+non+affiliates+policy&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
In addition to contacting Sally Brainard about the new policy, we also encourage you to contact the Chancellor and the Regents about the non-affiliates policy.
Thank you for your input and support,
Benjamin Balthaser
GSA Representative, PPM 510 "free speech" committee
