October 14, 2004

Dear Members of the MSU Community,

Recently, there has been invigorating conversation regarding MSU's campus policy on free speech. A campus publication on student activism heightened the interest and a discussion of issues related to free speech has ensued.

For those of us in the academia, free speech is one of the tenets of higher education and one that all of us respect and support. I personally believe it is important for a campus community to engage in healthy discussion, and have instituted the following steps to insure that MSU will be a campus that encourages open conversation, adheres to the principles of a democratic society and supports the rights of all individuals.

To that end, I have asked Dr. Warren Sandmann, Interim Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Studies, to lead a group that will re-examine our University policy on campus demonstrations, and will develop a revised policy for campus consideration and discussion before the end of this semester.

In the interim, the public discourse area near the Library no longer exists as such. Any area may be reserved for free speech related activities as long as that space has not been previously reserved for use by another group and the activity does not interfere with the University's conduct of business or there are health and safety considerations. Scheduling of space no longer requires that an application be completed; however, in order to reserve the space, an e-mail or other written communication to the Scheduling & Conference Services Office (CSU246) or a telephone call to 389-2223 will insure that the space is available and not previously reserved by another group/activity. I have asked University employees involved in scheduling of activities to work with faculty, students and others wishing to use University space for free speech purposes to be certain that requests are accommodated in an expeditious manner and with minimal effort.

I would ask that you recycle all copies of the brochure Campus Activism. The new policy will be disseminated once the group has drafted it, an opportunity for review by the campus has occurred, and I have approved it.

To be certain that this campus is an informed campus, members of the Expanded Cabinet, Faculty Association leadership, students leaders and members of the policy committee were invited to participate in a web cast held this week on the topic of free speech and civility on campus. Additionally, the Faculty Association leadership and Expanded Cabinet will discuss free speech issues at a retreat planned for early November. I have also encouraged our student government to co-sponsor open forums on the topic of free speech.

It is my intention that this campus remains open for a free exchange of ideas and beliefs with few restrictions. Students and others engaged in expression of their beliefs may exercise those rights to the extent that they do not obstruct or restrict the free movement of persons on campus, do not impede or interfere with the conduct of business on the campus, and do not impair the safety of persons, including themselves. I look forward to additional discussion and information sharing on this topic in the weeks ahead.

Sincerely,

Richard Davenport