Iowa State students applaud expanded free-speech zones

By The Associated Press

11.21.02

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AMES, Iowa — Students at Iowa State University say they appreciate the expanded free-speech zones on campus but say the remaining restrictions should be lifted.

President Gregory Geoffroy changed the policy last year, allowing students and the general public to meet outside of the official "free-speech zones" — two grassy areas on central campus — created by former President Martin Jischke.

"I'm happier," said Matt Denner, a junior majoring in political science and philosophy and president of the ISU Campus Greens.

However, Denner said parts of the policy that restrict the size of groups and their proximity to buildings still limit free speech.

The Campus Greens group was asked to move away from a building when they protested a speech in September by Environmental Protection Agency Director Christine Todd Whitman.

Capt. Gene Deisinger of ISU's Department of Public Safety said the group was asked to move because of a complaint that they were blocking access to the building.

"They were not forced to move; they were asked to move," he said.

Cara Harris, a junior in liberal studies and co-president of the campus chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the policy is "wonderful" but should be reviewed in the future.

"It's really nice compared to what I had as a freshman," she said. "It's really opened up doors."

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