Speech at VSU is Free, Parking is another matter

Valdosta Daily Times – Free expression policies at Valdosta State questioned 

If, like me, you were really puzzled about this story, do not dispair. I have done the reseach for you. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (F.I.R.E) has put VSU up in lights as one of the worst colleges in the nation for Freedom of Speech — you can read their harange here.

This all began when a protesting student posted a picture of the new Parking Garage and called it the President Zaccari Memorial Parking garage. Zaccari decided that “memorial” meant that the student wished him dead and expelled him for being a terrorist. The student didn’t realize that “memorial” meant that the President was dead — so much for the efficacy of a college education.

I do believe that F.I.R.E. has misunderstood the college’s policy on the so called Freedom of Expression Area, though, and have asked for a clarification. Here is my letter to the Executive Director, Greg Lukianoff. Will he get the joke or blow up? We can only wait… 

Former VSU President Zaccari deserves all you can toss at him for his conduct in the affair with T. Hayden Barnes. The incredible thinness of Zaccari’s skin is an embarrassment to all VSU alums — and I am one. A much better way to have handled Mr. Barnes would have been to offer to name the parking garage the T. Hayden Barnes Parking Palace. Sadly, such an elegant solution did not occur to Zaccari.

I became aware of VSU’s singular honor on your red list from a completely muddled news story in the Valdosta Daily Times. Perhaps you are aware of it, if not — here is a link, but you should place all liquids safely out of harms way before reading:

http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/local/local_story_172233302.html

As you can tell, the Times pays just above minimum wage for scribes.

The story gives your letter short shrift and your site, unfortunately, does not give me a copy of the letter, either. It would be nice if you would post it.

The FEA seems to be one of those anal retentive things academics do to institutionalize something that was already in existence. I fondly remember the itinerate preacher who used to park himself in the same spot during the early 80’s to preach hell fire and damnation — students just laughed at him which made him even hotter.

Back then the spot was simply known as the front steps to the cafeteria. Who knew that it harbored such grandiose ambition? 

Before accusing you of an Emily Lattella moment, I would like to read your letter. From what I can see, students protest all manner of things in all manner of places and not much happens to them. In fact, the faculty and staff often pay much more serious attention to these complaints than warranted — which just encourages the humorless little fascists.

Looking forward to reading your letter.

Best regards,

Merrill Guice