The Cavalier Daily
Serving the University Community Since 1890

Putting the First Amendment first

LAST FRIDAY, The Daily Progress reported that a group of students is "working with University Law professors and administrators to craft a change" that will "standardize" University Judiciary Committee sanctions against students found guilty of hate-motivated violations. This group (of four students) also wants to add a "13th tenet to the Standards of Conduct," specifically addressing verbal harassment. The recent spur of racial incidents has left our student body undeniably mired in a state of malaise. However, aggression against the First Amendment, no matter how subtle, is a misdirected and superficial response.

Historically, such campus speech codes have not faired well in court. In 1988, the University of Michigan faced several racial incidents, particularly the dispersion of a flyer that declared "open season" on blacks. In reaction, UM passed a policy which prohibited any speech which "creates an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment for educational pursuits, employment or participation in University sponsored

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The Muslim Students Association at the University strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for Muslim students, with a special focus on the holy month of Ramadan. Vice President of MSA Amirah Radwan shares insights into the events and initiatives organized by the organization, as well as her vision and goals for MSA's future.