Ohio State University is starting another school year, but one tradition won't be returning: students hanging signs in their dorm windows.
The Office of Student Life has banned the tradition of window art, from signs to post-it note messages, which for years decorated the campus dorms.
In an interview with WOSU's All Sides With Ann Fisher, University President Michael Drake says the ban came about after the construction of new dorms along High Street. But he did not cite a particular reason for the change.
"I could look more carefully at the discussions that took place, but it seemed like a reasonable thing to do," Drake says.
Students have complained about and resisted the ban, putting up signs that declared "My rights" over "Your policies," or lighter messages like "Send pizza." When it comes to enforcing the policy, Drake says he doesn't anticipate any issue.
Meanwhile, two Republican lawmakers turned their attention towards the fight over free speech on campus. State reps. Wes Goodman and Andrew Brenner will introduce "The Campus Free Speech Act" in the Ohio House, which would prevent colleges from disinviting speakers as well as restrict how schools collect and distribute student activity fees.
Drake said that additional bills like the campus free speech act aren’t necessary.
“As we try to layer other nuances on top of something that’s served us well for 240 years almost, I don’t know that they tend to improve it," Drake says. "I think that the First Amendment is quite clear. Few words only, but very very clear. We do our very best to uphold that.”
Drake points out that tens of thousands of speakers come to Ohio State, bringing a multitude of perspectives with them.
