Utterly bizarre college speech policy

[elfs]

"If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein." -- Robert H. Jackson, writing for the majority on the Supreme Court, West Virginia State Board of Education vs. Barnette, 1943.

With that in mind, review if you will the Student Accountablity in Community handout and accompaniy materials. Normally, I think of FIRE (The Freedom for Individual Rights in Education) foundation as being a little too right wing for my tastes, but in this case they're absolutely right. Michigan State University has made it mandatory that students attend an SAC seminar (and they must pay for it themselves as well) for "early intervention" if the student is cited for saying things that imply "a privileged position due to being white, male or heterosexual," or "any action of obscuring, concealing, or changing people's perceptions that result in your advantage and/or another's disadvantage." The SAC states that "humilating a boyfriend or girlfriend," "making sexist, racist, or homophobic comments," "showing disrepect for other students' academic freedom," or "failing to understand how such words might affect others."

There is no appeal process, and students may not attempt to deny or justify their behavior: they must confess their sins in a public forum and speak out loud a formula for "more appropriate behaviors" before they can be released from the risk of expulsion.

While I find many of the beliefs of the religious right appalling, I support the rights of individuals to hold those beliefs (so long as they continue to support my right to challenge them). According to the SAC, claiming that your religious beliefs imply a rejection of homosexuality or sexual equality is a form of "obfuscation" and is punishable.

I love the guidelines for facilitators: "Facilitators may not debate, moralize, or punish seminar attendees." What the Hell do you call it, then?

Do the citizens of Michigan really support this kind of intimidation and indoctrination for their kids?

Hat Tip: Ed Brayton

Comments

[scyllacat.livejournal.com]

In a bizarre moment, I find myself thinking that this policy could be argued as being unfair to certain challenged people such as autistics or people with Tourette's, who may be unable to control their speech or understand its effects on others.