Education

NC State Admin Wants Free Speech Tunnel Censored

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Blake Neff Reporter
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Officials at North Carolina State University are encouraging students to start censoring the school’s “Free Expression Tunnel” by purging it of speech that constitutes “social injustice,” reports Campus Reform.

NC State’s Free Expression Tunnel was created partly as a way to prevent graffiti from being sprayed on structures around the campus. Within the tunnel, the use of graffiti is allowed and encouraged, and students are given carte blanche to say whatever they like.

“The Free Expression Tunnel gives students a venue for expressing their thoughts and feelings about anything — from “Happy Birthday” to announcing club and organization meetings. The tunnel never looks the same twice, as it is painted daily by various student groups.”

Now, however, director of student involvement Eileen Coombes wants to make it clear that “anything” shouldn’t be taken literally. The school, she said in an email to student group leaders, is launching a new “State Not Hate” campaign to help students cover up speech they consider icky. The campaign will supply students with stencils in order to make it easier for them to cover up objectionable content.

“If you see hate speech or offensive language in the Free Expression Tunnel, cover that speech with the stencil, indicating that you, as a member of this community of scholars, will not stand for any form of hate at NC State,” said Coombes.

NC State has recently been roiled by controversies over just how far free expression should go. Last week, a fraternity at the school was forcibly shut down after a private pledge book was discovered that contained numerous racist and sexist comments by members. (RELATED: NC State Bans Alcohol For Some Frats, But Not Black Ones)

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