Walking around our campus there are a few landmarks that are synonymous with N.C. State — the Bell Tower, the Brickyard and the Free Expression Tunnel. It’s the speech being displayed within the Free Expression Tunnel which is causing concern around the University. Hate speech in the tunnel is becoming an issue for the University, causing the school to become proactive and remove it.

The University is having to monitor the postings in the Free Expression Tunnel closely to see if there is any speech that is derogatory toward any particular group. If hate speech is spotted in the tunnel, University officials will paint over it.

Other than following North Carolina statutes, there are no clear guidelines for the University to follow in the policing of the speech, according to Capt. Jon Barnwell of Campus Police. The University must establish clear guidelines and widely publicize them so that students know what the University will and will not permit in the Free Expression Tunnel.

Having clear guidelines will also prevent the University from being accused of being biased in what it deems inappropriate. Having guidelines will benefit both students and administrators in making it clear what the boundaries are when it comes to posting in the tunnel. Random removal of speech in the tunnel can lead to a slippery slope that could end up with the University beginning to censor free speech. The University should not be in the business of censoring student expression, but should look out for the image of our University.

Hate speech should not be tolerated in the tunnel. It’s not only demeaning toward others, but it makes our University look bad to visitors and prospective students. Students must police the tunnel as well. If you walk through the Free Expression Tunnel and you see someone defaming not only a group, but also a person, students should speak up and say they don’t want to see hate on our campus. Or students should take the initiative and paint something else over it.

We are blessed to be given the space in the Free Expression Tunnel to allow our voices to be heard. This privilege should not be abused. It’s not only up to the University to come up with clear guidelines, but also up to students to make sure what is posted is done in good taste. We should remember what we say in the tunnel is a representation of our campus to the outside world.