Many universities create speech codes to combat the evident discrimination and harassment on campus, especially those that are directed towards a specific minority group. Many believe these speech codes limit peoples' rights to free speech, but I believe some rules and boundaries are necessary in order to maintain a respectful and safe environment for students and visitors. The pictures shown at fraternity parties are very inappropriate and disrespectful. I believe this behavior should be outlawed because it is offensive, inappropriate, deragotary, and may cause violence. This behavior is not an appropriate way to show school spirit and support for a specific fraternity. Passion and support can be expressed in different ways that are more respectful and appropriate. For example, one might wear a shirt of their fraternity's or sell shirts or wrist bands; one can try to recruit others into their fraternity. One needs to be respectful towards themselves, their peers, their mentors, and their community.Many argue that speech codes restrain them from expressing themselves, but many also oppose this idea and believe they are necessary to keep some sort of order on campus. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) tries to defend and sustain individual rights at colleges and universities. FIRE's core mission is to "protect the unprotected and to educate the public and communities of concerned Americans about the threats to these rights on our campuses," and by doing so one will also learn how to preserve these rights and maintain peace. FIRE therefore, opposes speech codes and the current censorship at campuses. It defends one's rights and freedom of expression. FIRE challenges speech codes, which I find necessary in a school. A school always needs some sort of boundaries because if there are none, many students will take advantage of this and act in uncivil and disrespectful manners. One may use fighting words, express their racist and close-minded views, offend someone and their beleifs, and may express themselves with hatred. FIRE is giving students a type of freedom that is dangerous; they are allowing students to say or do whatever they want because it is their right to do so. FIRE protects this and I believe they shouldn't. There needs to be codes to prevent violence, especially in universities because it is then that students find the need to explore and find the sense of belonging. Restrictions are needed to protect other students and the community.
From the FIRE website, I looked up Illinois State University to see if there are any speech codes or restrictions on expressive rights. There are policies regarding harassment, stating that it is not tolerated, whether it is verbal or physical harassment. I believe this policy is needed because it shows the seriousness of such a crime and will protect students. If students openly express that the values the school believes in are unnecessary and ridiculous, it will not be tolerated. All students must put an effort to follow these values: character, civility, conscience, citizenship, an appreciation of diversity, and individual and social responsibility. I believe the value that is not followed often is the appreciation of diversity. Many fail to do this and focus on harassing those that look different or practice a different culture. Everyone should be accepted for who they are and what culture they believe in. There is also a policy at ISU stating that one must inform the university before hosting an vent where they will be expressing themselves. I find this to be a very reasonable policy becuase it does not restrict students from expressing themselves, but encourages them to do so in a respectful and organized manner. I believe these policies are necessary.
The policies of ISU make me feel more secure. It does not feel as if they are stripping away my right to freedom of speech and expression. I am still able to express myself in an orderly manner, just shouldn't direct it towards a specific person or group of persons. To know that this university cares for their student's safety, makes me want to apply. I know I will not be targeted at the university. I feel as if students respect these codes and try to follow, but there will always be the few that express that they are limiting their freedoms. There will always be the crazy parties with disrespectful behavior, but I just need to make the right decision and leave to show that I do not support the behavior and beliefs they are trying to relay to others. I would not create a scene or uproar regarding the difference between views, but would simply not support them. Although these codes will not be followed 100 percent of the time, they will still provide some protection for other students.
From the FIRE website, I looked up Illinois State University to see if there are any speech codes or restrictions on expressive rights. There are policies regarding harassment, stating that it is not tolerated, whether it is verbal or physical harassment. I believe this policy is needed because it shows the seriousness of such a crime and will protect students. If students openly express that the values the school believes in are unnecessary and ridiculous, it will not be tolerated. All students must put an effort to follow these values: character, civility, conscience, citizenship, an appreciation of diversity, and individual and social responsibility. I believe the value that is not followed often is the appreciation of diversity. Many fail to do this and focus on harassing those that look different or practice a different culture. Everyone should be accepted for who they are and what culture they believe in. There is also a policy at ISU stating that one must inform the university before hosting an vent where they will be expressing themselves. I find this to be a very reasonable policy becuase it does not restrict students from expressing themselves, but encourages them to do so in a respectful and organized manner. I believe these policies are necessary.
The policies of ISU make me feel more secure. It does not feel as if they are stripping away my right to freedom of speech and expression. I am still able to express myself in an orderly manner, just shouldn't direct it towards a specific person or group of persons. To know that this university cares for their student's safety, makes me want to apply. I know I will not be targeted at the university. I feel as if students respect these codes and try to follow, but there will always be the few that express that they are limiting their freedoms. There will always be the crazy parties with disrespectful behavior, but I just need to make the right decision and leave to show that I do not support the behavior and beliefs they are trying to relay to others. I would not create a scene or uproar regarding the difference between views, but would simply not support them. Although these codes will not be followed 100 percent of the time, they will still provide some protection for other students.
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