October 14, 2008We can all picture it – common areas of colleges packed full of tables with different clubs, sororities, or fraternities recruiting members. The bulletin board in a cafeteria or coffee shop stapled full of fliers, classifieds, or announcements. All forms of free speech seen – or heard – around the clock, every day.
On more than one campus, though, administrators are trying to limit even the most fundamental forms of free speech.
Ryan Dozier, for instance, is a student at Yuba College in Marysville, California. He is also a Christian who has a strong desire to share the love of Christ with his fellow students. One day, earlier this year, this outspoken young man arrived on campus for class and began sharing his faith with others in a common area. Ryan held a sign that read, "Repent and Believe the Gospel" on one side and "Peace With God Only In Jesus Christ" on the other. He stood in one spot, handed tracts to people who passed by, and if anyone stopped to talk, Ryan calmly answered their questions and told them about the love of Christ.
A campus police officer was one of those who stopped to chat with Ryan, but he was not interested in hearing about the Gospel. The officer told Ryan he needed a permit for such activity. He explained that Ryan would be arrested and face expulsion if he continued. Ryan learned that the college policy only allowed "free speech" on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12 and 1 p.m. – and then only with permission obtained at least two weeks in advance.
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Christian students shouldn't be penalized for expressing their beliefs," said ADF Litigation Staff Counsel Heather Gebelin Hacker. "
Students do not need a permit to exercise their First Amendment rights on campus. When a student can be threatened with a citation and expulsion while peacefully sharing a Christian message, American colleges can no longer be considered a marketplace of ideas."
Less than three weeks after his conversation with that campus police officer, Ryan received a certified letter from the college accusing him of assembling without a permit and violating school policy. The letter informed Ryan that his activity was the subject of a district police department crime report and that further violation would incur more discipline, including expulsion from college.
Attorneys with the ADF Center for Academic Freedom have filed a lawsuit against Yuba Community College District officials. In addition, ADF attorneys have asked the court to suspend the district’s problematic policies while the case moves forward. A copy of the complaint is available
by clicking here.
Please pray that these administrators will see free speech for what it is – free. Our First Amendment rights are not privileges limited to the confines of what is comfortable for someone else. It is free for a reason – it is what our forefathers intended and what we intend to fight for with your support. Together, we will win!