Students Oppose Protest Restrictions at Ohio University

The Post, a student newspaper at Ohio University, published a staff editorial today opposing the university’s use of “free speech zones.” According to the editorial, Ohio University has designated 22 spaces on campus as free speech zones—a decently large number—but requires students and student groups to reserve those spaces in advance in order to hold events. The Post editorial staff argues that students should have the right to protest on campus without prior reservation, and also argues that the university should do away with its designated zones altogether and open the entire campus up to free speech. The editorial concludes, “Do everyone a favor, OU, and do away with these ‘spaces.’ Then the campus truly can be a free speech zone.” These are wise words indeed.