Texas Targets Two Students Over Political Window Signs

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A University that bans free speech is a not a good University, but a place that wants to brainwash its students into thinking a certain way. I would love to go to UT Austin, because I know it is one of the best public universities in the country. However, I would never go to a University that bans free speech. Thank you, UT, for lifting the ban and letting students have a voice!

John Ross McCaghren of TX 3:28PM March 06, 2009

The ban has been lifted:
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The University's rule prohibiting the display of signs in students' residence hall room windows has been the subject of a great deal of discussion for the past few days. I am keenly aware that this prohibition is of intense concern to many members of the student body, as well as the larger community. I believe that the free expression of ideas is crucial to our educational mission, and that our rules should foster civil discourse and debate. I conclude, therefore, that this rule should be carefully reviewed with the participation of all constituencies in The University of Texas at Austin community, including students.
Effective immediately, I am suspending the prohibition on signs in individual students' residence hall room windows and any sanctions related to its enforcement. The rule will be removed today from the Division of Housing and Food Service's rules, and will be replaced with an interim regulation that expressly allows the display of signs and posters in students' residence hall room windows.
Juan Gonzalez, Vice President for Student Affairs, has kept me well informed on this issue. I have asked him to convene a committee composed of all major constituencies to discuss all aspects of the policy on residence hall room signs and make recommendations on any changes that need to be made. The interim rule allowing signage in individual students' residence hall room windows will remain in place until the committee issues its report and I act upon their recommendations.
William Powers, Jr.
President
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mark of TX 6:08PM October 09, 2008

The ban has been lifted:
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
The University's rule prohibiting the display of signs in students' residence hall room windows has been the subject of a great deal of discussion for the past few days. I am keenly aware that this prohibition is of intense concern to many members of the student body, as well as the larger community. I believe that the free expression of ideas is crucial to our educational mission, and that our rules should foster civil discourse and debate. I conclude, therefore, that this rule should be carefully reviewed with the participation of all constituencies in The University of Texas at Austin community, including students.
Effective immediately, I am suspending the prohibition on signs in individual students' residence hall room windows and any sanctions related to its enforcement. The rule will be removed today from the Division of Housing and Food Service's rules, and will be replaced with an interim regulation that expressly allows the display of signs and posters in students' residence hall room windows.
Juan Gonzalez, Vice President for Student Affairs, has kept me well informed on this issue. I have asked him to convene a committee composed of all major constituencies to discuss all aspects of the policy on residence hall room signs and make recommendations on any changes that need to be made. The interim rule allowing signage in individual students' residence hall room windows will remain in place until the committee issues its report and I act upon their recommendations.
William Powers, Jr.
President
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mark of TX 6:08PM October 09, 2008

There is no reason on earth why students should not be politically active with signs.
UT must think they are in the old Soviet Union. Do they just allow signs for the student council elections, for heavens' sakes?
I prefer Obama, but those kids should all have every right to put up even a McCain sign if they want.

of 4:21PM October 09, 2008