LETTER: Editorial errs in concept of free speech

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by Bolie Williams

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In the Aug. 25 edition of the Thresher , the editorial condemns the university for fining Jones College for chanting during matriculation.

While trying to keep matriculation serious and solemn is silly and pointless, the assertion that the university was somehow violating the First Amendment rights of the students is just wrong.

First, the university, as a private organization conducting a specific ceremony on its own property, is not bound by the First Amendment.

Second, by telling the students not to say anything during matriculation, the university was in no way violating the freedom of expression of the students.

If the university had made some rule regarding the content of disruptive chants during matriculation, then that might have been a restriction of free expression.

This isn't even necessarily the case as the overused "yelling fire in a crowded theater" example shows.

The First Amendment does not protect anyone's right to say anything anymore.

Here is the text of the First Amendment just for clarification:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Bolie Williams IV

System Administrator

Wiess '93

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the September 1, 1995 issue.

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