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Marshall Students Censored?

Posted: 5:12 PM Jan 28, 2011
Reporter: Stephanie Schelkun

Censored Speech?

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WSAZ) -- Being named to a top 12 list may seem like a coveted title, but not if it's a "worst" list.

Marshall University has been named one of the 12 worst colleges in the country for free speech by the group FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education).

Steve Hensley, Marshall's dean of student affairs, says coming to Marshall is a package deal.

"I believe that enrollment in Marshall is a voluntary activity," Hensley says. "Nobody makes you come to Marshall. If you choose to come here, then you also choose to live by our rules as long as they are reasonable."

However, Hensley now realizes that the rules are a little outdated. They have not been revised since 1985. While college is about academics, it is also about learning life lessons.

"In high school you are confined to the four walls," says Marshall sophomore and Parthenon reporter Trevan Hannahs. "But, in terms of college and universities, this is your time to grow up and your time to shine and make yourself known and, if it means freedom of speech and letting yourself be known, that's what you have to do."

For Trevan and Raymond Harrell, Marshall does do that.

"I think college is one of the greatest forums for free speech," Raymond says. "And I think it's encouraged here. I have many professors who will throw out an idea and ask the class to debate on it."

FIRE says Marshall's code micromanages too much and even holds students accountable off campus. Those accusations are enough to make Hensley think twice about the school rules.

"We're going to look at it seriously," he said. "I have no criticism of FIRE and I admire free speech, so maybe it is a little out of date. I don't know."

Hensley says the Department of Student Affairs has a meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 31, with the Student Conduct and Welfare Board to talk about revising the code.