OUR OPINION: The University cannot legally bar speech, but those who spread hateful messages need to realize there will be implications for their actions.
While last night was a historic moment in American politics, some chose to spoil the occasion by marking the walls of the Free Expression Tunnel with a Confederate flag and racist comments and images, including references to the Ku Klux Klan.
This is not something new to the University — in September, there were chalk signs advertising a KKK meeting in the Brickyard, and in November of 2007, a staff member found a toilet paper noose in the Motor Pool Office at Sullivan Shops.
According to Chancellor James Oblinger’s statement, the University “value[s] free speech but will not tolerate hateful speech designed to incite violence and undermine the safe operation of campus.”
Administrators had Campus Police paint over the entire Free Expression Tunnel with white paint after students and employees discovered the racist remarks in the tunnel.
The University should encourage a dialogue to address the issues of free speech and how it applies to discriminatory, intimidating comments and images.
Hate speech has plagued the campus for the past year, and this event is receiving more attention from other news outlets in large part due to the timing. With the election of America’s first black president, such racist comments and images seem like a message of intimidation and hate.
While some Republicans may be upset with the outcome of the election, extreme actions like writing threats on the Free Expression Tunnel and making Facebook statuses suggesting a descendent of John Wilkes Booth needs to take action do not foster a constructive dialogue.
The University needs to do something. Given its status as a southern university, some will undoubtedly see the Confederate flag as a symbol of racism and oppression in yesterday’s context, instead of remembering its role in Southern culture and heritage.
Administrators and student leaders are working to create a solid response. Student Body President Jay Dawkins said Student Government is planning a unity rally to say that N.C. State will not stand for hate speech.
Such a move is admirable, but it will be a meaningless gesture if students do not speak out against hate speech and go to the unity rally in the Brickyard tomorrow at 12:15 p.m.
All students need to show the people responsible for writing hate speech in the Free Expression Tunnel that they must be prepared to deal with the University’s response.
