Free Speech at Butler University

The Blogora: The Rhetoric Society of America

Submitted by Jim Aune on October 29, 2009 - 5:52pm

Here's the story of an unpleasant bit of administrative silencing of speech at Butler University (the Provost is a Communication person, btw). Another version of the story, from Huffington Post. And here's the blogger's story, in his own words. And, please sign this petition, if you're so inclined. (h/t to Jeff Brand)

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Fights at the Schoolhouse Gates

Submitted by Adria on October 31, 2009 - 10:27am.

Isn't the blog writing about matters of public concern? How different are Zimmerman's reviews from what students might leave on Pick-a-Prof or a similar website? Either way, the burden of proof is going to rest on proving fault of some kind on Zimmerman's part (falsity is not enough).

I guess as the 1940 AAUP Statement notes, "Academic freedom in its teaching aspect is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and of the student to freedom in learning." With one in trouble, it's not a surprise the other is beginning to show signs of distress.

On that note, Dana Cloud frequently receives hate mail (she has an article forthcoming in which she analyzes it), and yet David Horowitz's campaign marches on. Has anyone sued Horowitz yet?

SLAPP

Submitted by mcsantos on October 30, 2009 - 10:04am.

Great new term, and it seems like that is what's going on here. Were the comments hateful drivel I might think differently, but based on what's in the Higher Ed article, the comments just seem like blunt (perhaps poorly written) criticism.