The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

History Dept. expresses concerns

The History Department would like to express its concern about the charges against our graduating senior Marc Torney. We would like to remind the administration that the purpose of a University includes encouraging students to play an active role in society, to sharpen their analytical and creative abilities and to develop their ability to express themselves. Marc is one of our best students, and regardless of our individual points of view, we are proud of his level of civic engagement.

Freedom of speech and assembly are fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution. While we recognize the administration's right and responsibility to protect critical functions of the University from serious disruption, any limits on free speech must reflect the mission and goals of the institution. Institutions of higher education should do everything possible to ensure their policies do not impose unnecessary and stifling limits on student speech and expression.

We urge the administration to drop the unwarranted charges against Torney and to reject the absurd and un-American idea that free speech can be limited to a so-called "Free Forum Area." We also call on the campus community to insist that the Student Conduct Code be amended in order to provide greater protection for the constitutional rights of free speech.

Approved at a department meeting, April 21, 2004.

Robbie Lieberman

professor, history

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