Last week, Young Americans for Freedom submitted a use of grounds request for its annual 9/11 Memorial display, which consists of 2,977 American flags that honor the lives lost that terrible day. The response they received is the reason for this letter.

The response stated that our University has changed its policy on Dallas Hall Lawn displays, which are no longer permitted and are to be conducted in MoMac Park from now on. While we understand that displays are still permitted, this new location is far less prominent than the iconic Dallas Hall Lawn, which thousands of students, faculty and local residents pass by every day and serves as the heart of our campus. This is disappointing considering that the purpose of the many displays that our organizations construct is to generate respectful, diverse dialogue so that our campus will be a center for thoughtful and engaging discussion that inspires and informs the ‘World Changers’ we are all striving to become.

What is even more concerning is the language that was used in the new policy. It read: “The University also respects the right of all members of the community to avoid messages that are triggering, harmful, or harassing.” This statement has implications that are very dangerous to our university’s academic environment and echoes similar statements made by universities
across the nation. Places like UC Berkeley, Middlebury and Evergreen College have effectively shut down free speech on their campuses. Freedom of speech is one of the most important of the inalienable rights of our nation. It has proven to be a fundamental prerequisite to democracy and freedom throughout history. People absolutely have to have a right to their own opinions, but this does not come with a right to be shielded from opposing ideas, especially in an environment dedicated to the learning, sharing and developing of new ideas.

A flag memorial to honor those who lost their lives in the events of 9/11, or displays promoting the education and discussion of the pro-life, pro-choice movements among SMU students must not be viewed as attacks on others. In choosing to view these displays as such, SMU is deviating from its call as a center of higher learning. Its' mission is to be a place where
ideas are challenged and intellect thrives, not a place to hide or silence alternative points of view. If SMU chooses to limit students’ rights to challenge and discuss the ideas and values that are fueling the creation of World Changers, it is indoctrination, not education, that will be taking place on our campus. We are witnessing the degradation of the mission of higher learning at universities across the country because of policies like this.The question we ask is this: how can students change the world if they don’t have the opportunity to share and express their closely held values and beliefs?

We, as student leaders of this University and whose student organizations promote messages that have a right to be seen and heard, urge you to reconsider this restrictive and destructive policy.

Sincerely,

Drew Wicker, President of College Republicans

Cecily Cox, Co-President of College Democrats

Matthew Lucci, Co-President of College Democrats

Julia Cantu, President of Feminist Equality Movement

Daniel T. Rosa, President of Mustangs for Life

Heather Hall, President of Turning Point USA

Grant Wolf, Chairman of Young Americans for Freedom