President David Boren has directed OU legal counsel to review policies that may restrict free speech, according to a statement released Friday.
This action comes after members of the Women’s and Gender Studies Student Association were denied the right to protest against Justice for All’s anti-abortion exhibit Wednesday and Thursday on the South Oval. The group was told they had not completed the correct paperwork for a protest.
“Protests should be non-violent and should not disrupt classes or academic activities,” Boren said in the statement.
Registered student organizations wanting to hold a peaceful protest must register with the Student Affairs office by filling out a “Facility Use Request” at least five days prior to the event, according to Title 6 of the Student Code.
This is to accommodate competing demonstrations and prevent interference with educational activities, Boren said.
Boren said he strongly supports freedom of speech and believes competitive ideas should be vigorously debated within a university.
Once the review is complete, necessary policy revisions will be made.
Justice For All’s anti-abortion exhibit was brought to campus by Pro-Life Ambassadors, an OU student organization.
Justice For All aims to make abortion an unthinkable practice, according to its mission statement.
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