Professor’s Firing Opens Debate on Free Speech and Safe Spaces on College Campuses

The IUPUI Rule regarding these traditional public fora is the following:   these areas are open, subject to the permitting process below applied to students and non-students alike, to expression subject neither to any content restrictions nor to any prior restraints, save and except that, in the interest of avoiding security problems and simultaneous conflicting demonstrations, free speech activities in these traditional public fora requires two business days’ prior notice, as outlined below, for all activities that are promoted in advance in any way, sponsored by a student organization, or expected to draw a crowd of more than 25 people.  Larger crowds  impact  the University’s significant interest in controlling large gatherings that might disrupt classes, block building access, or create traffic hazards. Permission and thus permitting for free speech activities near intersections or during certain hours in close proximity to academic buildings at certain times of year might also be withheld due to a significant University interest in assuring safety or an environment conducive to study or teaching.