Student Panelists Drew Gilmore, Rachel Crow, Dale Claybrone Jr., Abeer Abdelrahim, JaQuille Vennett and Marcus Dandridge listen to President M. David Rudd as he speaks about combating hate speech with good speech. Each student asked questions regarding campus safety.
The University of Memphis’ Critical Conversations Committee presented “Drawing the Protest Line: Freedom of Assembly, Speech and Expression,†a campus-wide initiative led by the Office of the Provost and the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change, Tuesday in the University Center River Room.
“Being a good citizen is allowing another citizen to be heard,†M. David Rudd, U of M president, said at the event. “The worst thing we could do is limit that. We want you to be heard.â€
Student leaders from the Student Government Association, Hispanic Student Association, Muslim Student Association, NAACP and Stonewall Tigers participated in a panel discussion with faculty and legal experts regarding peaceful protest in the university setting.
“The answer to hate speech is good speech,†Bruce Kramer, civil rights attorney at Apperson Crump, said at the discussion. “There is no such thing as an absolute right.â€
Rudd addressed measures the U of M has taken regarding campus speakers possibly spreading hatred and disturbing the learning environment.
“Speakers cannot use amplification,†Rudd said at the event. “We do not schedule competing groups to come speak on the same day. There are time, place and manner restrictions. We cannot deny someone the right to be heard.â€
Rudd further explained the U of M’s plan of action to combat acts of racism or hate speech.
“The university does not take political positions,†Rudd said at the discussion. “People would love to see us take those positions. People have political agendas. We are not a political entity. We do not take political positions. Our mission is to help educate you and to be an accessible and affordable university that provides a high quality education in a safe environment.â€
Otis Sanford, Hardin chair of excellence in economic and managerial journalism, said issues of diversity and conflict have frequently been discussed in his journalism classes. Â
“We have a very diverse population within the population of journalism and strategic media,†Sanford said at the discussion. “We sponsor a First Amendment lecture every year in the spring. We’ve had some very enlightening topics that national speakers have brought to this campus.â€
Kevyanna Rawls, vice president of SGA, asked what measures would be taken if Tiger football players decide to kneel at athletic events, referencing the NFL’s recent protests.
“The university has no official response,†Karen Weddle-West, U of M provost, said. “We support the rights of our students regarding freedom of expression.â€
Weddle-West addressed complaints that the U of M is slow to respond to students’ concerns.
“Email is the university’s official mode of response, but time and reflection are required for an appropriate response,†Weddle-West said at the event.
The provost’s website states the goal of the Critical Conversations series is to “sustain and facilitate a democratic and civil society that values diversity, civil rights, human rights and nonviolent movements and initiatives.â€
Weddle-West quoted a motto she said she learned from a former mentor: “We must be concerned about difference at the university level until difference no longer makes a difference.â€
The U of M’s Office for Institutional Equity handles all discrimination complaints in keeping with its commitment to promote equality for all students. The office can be reached at 901-678-2713.
