The Emerald Editorial Board seems to misunderstand the nature of free speech in its recent editorial (“Fire this … FUCK CENSORSHIP,” ODE, Oct. 2). Free speech allows college newspapers to publish most non-libelous things without legal repercussions. It doesn’t allow you to print them without repercussions at all.
The national media attention garnered by the Rocky Mountain Collegian’s short editorial, “Taser this .. FUCK BUSH”, is not at all unexpected. Notably, it supports free speech by promoting discussion between those who disagree.
Much like the Oregon Daily Emerald – as the last sentence of your editorial indicates – the Rocky Mountain Collegian is an independent newspaper, and has had no restrictions placed upon its free speech by the college.
If J. David McSwane, the Collegian’s editor in chief, receives any sort of punishment, it will be administered by an independent Board of Student Communications that oversees the newspaper. Such a decision would be no more wrong or illegal than McDonald’s Board of Trustees firing its own CEO.
Colorado State has published a statement explaining their relationship (or lack thereof) with the Collegian, and clearly knows they hold no jurisdiction over the actions that its editors or employees take. They even say as much on their Web site: “Colorado State, as a state institution, is prohibited by law from censoring or regulating the content of its student media publication.”
The Daily Emerald admits it does not often print the word “fuck” in the paper. Why? Because it’s not allowed, or because it makes people complain aloud?
Jason Bailey
Quincy, IL