UNI Students Speak Freely About Free Speech

Lauren Henderson

August 31, 2021

CEDAR FALLS - Upon starting another school year, this one back in person rather than virtual, many students walked on campus for the first time in nearly 16 months. They occupied many chairs that we were uncertain would ever be occupied again for the return of syllabus week. This time, syllabus week welcomed an important history lesson on the first amendment.

Due to the disapproval of the student government involving a new student organization at the University of Northern Iowa, students felt that their freedom of speech was being taken away after standing up for what they believed in.

Students For Life is now a student organization that is “dedicated to abolishing abortion and cultivating a culture of life.” As this organization stood in front of the Northern Iowa Student Government, members of the NISG denied approval based on their own beliefs on the topic which goes against how a government official should act which is neutrally on all topics.

For all students the addition of the “Free Speech At UNI” paragraph is new to the syllabus. Lauren, a senior Public Health major says, “I’ve noticed it on the elearning page and my professors have mentioned their course agreement and that’s where they go into depth on the topic.”

Many other students like Lani, a senior Psychology major, mentioned that some professors failed to speak on the subject at all. “Since none of my classes have brought it up I don’t think anyone is aware of it but once people are aware it will become a big deal [inclusively] especially for our age”, says Lani.

Some students noticed and some didn’t but Samantha, a senior History major feels torn saying, “It’s kind of contradictory in the History department because it talks about free speech but also it [one of her classes syllabus] mentions how we can’t talk about race due to Kim Reynolds.” Very passionate about both free speech and the topic of history Samantha says, “When talking about history, talking about race is very very important but now we can’t, even though it mentions the need for free speech.”

For students new to campus this year, having the statement in the syllabus was something they have never experienced before. Zach, a freshman Finance and Real Estate major had never read a syllabus before this week. “I did not know that it wasn’t there originally...but I feel like it will bring everyone together more than we already are at UNI.”

No matter young or old, a citizen's freedom of speech is always rightfully theirs. Whether it was stated on the syllabus that first day of class or not, it’s a good reminder that it’s our responsibility to stand for what we believe in and face others' opinions in a respectful manner. The circumstances that the Free Speech statement was added weren’t exceptional at all but unfortunately, it takes a bump in the road to fix the pavement and create change.