Since the United States ratified the Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment, we have fought over what we can say and where we can say it. At the same time, we hold dearly the idea that we have the right to speak our minds. This is a battle that rages across pages of history; and here on the SRJC campus is no different.

The main concern with freedom of speech on campus isn’t whether or not it should be allowed, but rather the manner to allow it without disrupting the academic environment of the college. The rules that govern this are known as time, place and manner. These rules give a governing body the right to control when, where and how a message is delivered, but not the content of the message.

SRJC’s time, place and manner policy designates four zones on campus where people are allowed to gather to address the students: Hyde Park on the south end of the Bertolini Quad, under the steps of Doyle Library and both public sidewalks flanking Elliott Avenue.

Hyde Park shares its name with a park in London. known for its Speaker’s Corner. Politically active voices, such as those of Karl Marx and George Orwell, gathered there to address passersby. Today this legacy lives on campus.

Free speech is a necessary part of campus life. “It does open up the free exchange of ideas; I think that is what higher education in general is all about: you’re elevating your critical thinking skills,” Brian Phifer, assistant director of student affairs, said. “Where students, it does not necessarily have to be students, but anyone from the public, if they have something to say, they can say it within their First Amendment rights.”

While people may speak on campus, they must first fill out a tabling request form at student activities. While the use of these free speech zones increased since the completion of the Bertolini Student Center, the majority of groups come from off campus. Phifer believes that increasing student use of these areas is not about motivation. “The question is really more in a larger context: how do you raise students’ social consciousness? I think through forums; I think through education; I think through leading by example, seeing people out there.”