Bedford Blockade Sparks Debate

By Michael Youmans
Rotunda Reporter
Just recently, flyers were posted displaying, "Free Speech Wall," advertising students to come behind the Lankford Student Union Tuesday, November 17 from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. This concept was presented by Longwood's Creative Writing Program.

"We would love a Free Speech Wall solely for the purpose of giving the individual student a voice as opposed to large groups," said sophomore Amy Ellis, the project manager for the Free Speech Wall. Ellis continued to say that ".a wall would allow one student to say his or her opinion."

The idea has been tossed around by some students to use the wall around Bedford as the Free Speech Wall. Cameron Patterson, President of the Student Government Association (SGA) said "since the wall has to be there for the next 2 years when they finish construction, I do think that it would be nice if the art students could use the wall to paint some murals and do some type of design work," Ellis however maintained that the wall around Bedford has not been discussed as a potential site for the Free Speech Wall. "It's up in the air whether or not we're going to get one," said Ellis.

The concern of the minds of some is potential limitations. Ellis said, "We plan on modeling it after the wall at UVA, which is made of slate, so it's erasable. So that way if someone does write.something really inappropriate, someone could come by and run their hand across it."

Some believe that all comments should be preapproved. But Ellis disagrees. "No, they shouldn't have to have prior approval," she said.

Throughout campus many students agree that a Free Speech Wall would be a good thing for Longwood. Sophomore Patrick Sawyer, a Political Science major believes that it would be a positive thing to have on campus, however, with some restrictions, "I think it would be a good idea if it [the wall] weren't so long," Sawyer said.

Sophomore David Slack also believes that having a Free Speech Wall on Longwood's campus is a good idea. Slack liked the idea of a Free Speech Wall on campus saying, "It sounds like a great idea. I am from Charlottesville and we have a stone Free Speech Wall on the downtown mall and I love it. I think that putting a Free Speech Wall anywhere, but especially by Bedford, would be an amazing idea."

Slack also believes that this type of thing on campus would be great as a way for art students to show their work. "I know that a lot of students would like to have more of their work displayed around campus, and I feel that this is a great way to get this going," he said. "I think that the teachers will see how great it is for the students to be heard and art is the best way [to be heard] without getting into too much trouble."

While most would probably agree that the wall is a good idea, many people are not avoiding the fact that the wall, at least around Bedford is a bit of a burden. Mike Stancik, a sophomore Communication Studies major believes the wall is a nuisance, especially when it comes to getting to class. "I feel like I need to add a few minutes to my walk to class because of the wall. I'll just have to get used to it and adapt to the change."

Sophomore Avrielle Suleiman says "The wall [around Bedford] is horrible. It is an eyesore and is such a hassle to walk around in bad weather," she said. "I think it sounds like a great thing but it could also get bad very quickly if people started to use it to write hate messages."

Other students have also voiced concern regarding the misuse of a Free Speech Wall. Sophomore Amanda Wessell said, "I think a free speech wall would be a very cool thing, although I anticipate that people would abuse it."

Patterson also believes having a place for students to showcase their creativity is a good idea, yet echoed the notion that the concept of possibly having artwork displayed should be protected. Patterson said "Since the wall [around Bedford Hall] is in a prominent place on campus I would have all paintings on the wall be approved by the Chairman of the Art Department, Vice President for Facilities, and President Cormier's office". He also said "the SGA has not had any true discussions involving the wall that has been placed around Bedford Hall,".

Patterson encouraged all of those interested in the idea to contact the Student Government Association (SGA). Patterson said, "if students are interested in making use of the wall, please have them contact a member of the SGA so that we can inform the students of the appropriate persons to contact to make this a reality."

Senate meetings are Tuesdays at 3:45 p.m. in the A and B rooms of the student union. The latest information from the SGA can be found on their website: www.longwoodsga.org.