The Associated Students of Colorado State University convened Oct. 8 for the 8th session of the 55th Senate.
Following the swearing in of new senators and associates, several students voiced concerns about the university’s attempted changes to its freedom of speech and expression policy.
On Aug. 14, CSU quietly implemented a new free speech policy on campus.
Notable revisions include changes to the chalking policy, stating that “Chalking is permitted only on the LSC Plaza and is limited to publicizing official programming or events sponsored by a CSU college, division or office or any of CSU’s recognized student organizations or groups. … Chalking is not allowed for other forms of Expressive Activity unless otherwise authorized by the university.”
Due to student protest, the new policy has been rescinded for the time being, and the previous policy has been reinstated, but students still showed up to senate to voice their concerns.
“With a single update, the university restricted chalking, one of the most accessible, visible and historically important forms of student expression on this campus,” ASCSU Director of Unified Success Ben Gregg said. “They say be peaceful when what they really mean is keep the Black and Brown students off of our doorstep because I need to enjoy my morning coffee. … And when it’s time for the token Black and Brown student photoshoot for their Instagram, we’re supposed to pose and smile like they actually value who we are.”
Gregg announced his resignation as a presidential ambassador via social media Oct. 10 after being told he violated the free speech policy with his comments.
Several students, including Gregg, cited the recent vigil for Charlie Kirk in their statements, criticizing the university for platforming white student organizations and censoring marginalized students.
“I refuse to comply with an institution who preaches free speech and platforming a hateful racist like Charlie Kirk, but when the Black and Brown students make some noise, suddenly what we are doing is a breach of their comfort,” Gregg said. “Let me tell you, (President) Amy Parsons, Sept. 18 was the single scariest day I and so many others have faced on this campus because we aren’t all afforded the privilege that you are.”
On Oct. 7, the university began enforcing the new chalking policy on the Lory Student Center Plaza and washing away chalk messages drawn by students. In protest, students continued to chalk as it was being washed away.
Students chalking messages, such as “Have a good day,” and, “Stop bombing children,” in remembrance of Gaza, were allegedly told they would receive student conduct violations and that they were trespassing.
“I began writing messages that were noncompliant (with the new policy),” senior Amber Wright said. “I began writing ‘Free Gaza,’ ‘Palestine will be free,’ and also messages like, ‘Have a nice day.’”
Wright recalled that Marc Barker, assistant vice president for Safety & Risk Services, allegedly followed students around The Plaza pointing out chalk that needed to be erased, and told Wright she would be written up for violating the policy.
“Barker continued to come up to me as I was chalking,” Wright said. “He threatened me with a student conduct code violation; he made that threat at least three times throughout the day. And then after that, he threatened to cite me for trespassing, which is really interesting because I’m an actively enrolled CSU student.”
Wright then said that Barker later apologized and encouraged students to continue protesting because it’s effective.
“I want to note that today I attended the Fall Address, and Marc Barker pulled me aside and apologized to me today and said that he was wrong and I was right, and that he still did not agree with the methods that I took, but that they were effective because they rescinded the policy this morning,” Wright said.
Over 15 students took this tone during gallery input, each citing disappointment in Parsons for limiting campus free speech, regardless of the new policy’s revocation.
Following gallery input, senate moved into confidence business, first ratifying Nico Johnston as the event programming intern for the department of traditions. Following introductions, Q&A and discussion and debate, Johnston was approved with unanimous consent and subsequently sworn in.
Moving into new business, Bill #5515, “Defending the Right to Free Speech & Expression at Colorado State University,” was introduced.
The legislation aims to hold CSU administration accountable for changing its free speech policy on campus without notifying students and bypassing the standard review process. The legislation initially called on CSU to reinstate its previous policy from Nov. 11, 2022, but following the revocation of the new policy just prior to the senate session, authors proposed edits to be made to the bill in committee sessions.
The proposed edits called on CSU to issue an apology to its students and to ensure the university is transparent about all future policy changes, especially given the constantly changing federal directives.
Following Q&A, the bill was sent to all committees for review.
Moving into old business, Senate confirmed Bill #5512, “Seed Grant Bill,” reinstating the Seed Grant previously passed by the 52nd Senate to provide funds to newly registered student organizations.
Following discussion and debate, the bill was passed 9-3-2 via placard vote.
Lastly, senate confirmed Bill #5513, “Funding Human Anatomy Student Success – The Bone Bill.” The bill allocated $1,100 to the CSU Morgan Library to purchase two disarticulated human skeleton sets to increase necessary study resources for students. Following discussion and debate, the bill was passed with unanimous consent.
ASCSU Senate will resume Oct. 15.
Reach Laila Shekarchian at news@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.