Colorado State University wishes students to understand that they’re not the only ones affected by free speech events. There are many resources. They may be able to get assistance.
According to Turning Point USA’s coordinator, this sign was found on campus. It is a conservative student group. University confirmed the authenticity of the sign. It reads: “If you (or someone you know) are affected by a free speech event on campus, here are some resources…”
These resources include the phone numbers and web addresses for: Office of Equal Opportunity; CSU Health Network Counseling; Ombuds (for CSU workers); Multicultural Counseling; Employee Assistance Program; Vice President of Inclusive Excellence; Victim’s Hotline, Bias Reporting Hotline and many others.
These last two allow aggrieved student to summon campus authorities to inquire into their allegations of mistreatment. CSU’s bias reporting form asks that submissions include identifying details—including identification number, phone number, and residence hall—about the perpetrator so that school officials can track them down.
While the university declined to comment on a request, they provided this statement. Fox News:
CSU spokesperson said that the university is committed to free speech as legal protection, and as a basis for robust debate which is central to higher education. Fox News received a statement from CSU. “We recognize speech’s power to deeply impact individuals and will continue to support our students. This sign lists some of our many resources that are available to students. The sign does not relate to any particular event but rather serves to make it easier to find resources, knowing that protected speech will always be part and parcel of higher education.
By suggesting that one student exercising free speech rights should prompt another student to fill out a bias incident report, the university is undermining public confidence in its commitment to the principles of the First Amendment—principles that CSU, as a public institution, is bound to follow.
This sign has already been mocked by conservative media outlets for being a play on the rights of homosexuals. Delicate snowflake Stereotypes about college students today. Sometimes, however, it fits. Universities shouldn’t feel obliged to provide investigative tools to students “affected” by free speech events.