Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Straight Pride?...not sure what to think here

Apr 25, 2015 3:23AM PDT
Straight Pride fliers removed at Ohio college

From the article:

"t has been brought to the attention of several SGA Executive Board members that "Straight Pride" posters have been hung across campus, seemingly in response to LGBTQIA efforts to promote diversity and foster a culture of acceptance on campus. Though SGA respects the free speech of all YSU students, these postings were not authorized, contained vulgar language, and, unfortunately, miss the point of minority activism." (underline is mine)

There are links available that display the entire flier such as the one here. There are a couple of vulgar words used but nothing disparaging of gay persons. I would wonder if the fliers would be acceptable if the vulgar words were removed. Basically, the fliers just suggested that maybe it's time to take a break from all the noise. Personally, I agree with that. I also don't understand the Student Government Association's reference to free speech and how it's different in the case of "minority activism". How does minority activism change the definition or interpretation of what freedom of speech allows?

Frankly, I've grown quite weary of the "In your face!" approach to getting one's point across. I can see where the fliers might invite confrontation rather than intelligent discussion but I can certainly see that the other side hasn't conducted itself any better. I'd say it's time to give it a rest here.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
some speech is free
Apr 25, 2015 4:06AM PDT

other speech is regulated. Depends on who is in power.

- Collapse -
(NT) Wonder if the LGBTQIA groups got authorization?
Apr 25, 2015 4:26AM PDT
- Collapse -
Boy...that group is growing
Apr 25, 2015 5:40AM PDT

We've only got 26 letters in our alphabet. I can't answer your question but I can imagine that it wouldn't be the student government but the university president and/or board that would need to OK any planned campus activities. I imagine there are policies about where and what type of signs may be posted. The issue being raised here, however, is what constitutes free speech. I have questions about that myself. I'm fine with anyone being permitted to (politely) express a viewpoint but, for there to be free speech, differing viewpoints would need to be given equal consideration. Other than the use of profanity, I can't see what is objectionable in the postings...in the form of free speech, anyway.