Oppression vs. Freedom

Things have changed since we first went to college in the 70's

I have appreciated the readings I've been assigned in my graduate social work classes about the history of oppression in America.  It has taken generations for Americans to see how “justice for all” applies to all races, national origins, religious affiliations, genders and sexual orientations.  At least I thought we were making consistent progress toward that end as a nation, until recently.   What sometimes saddens me is that the oppressed sometimes look for and find someone else to oppress.  Every few years my husband buys baby chicks as we raise our own eggs.  I hate the pecking order.  One poor chicken is always the low "chick" on the totem pole. 

I feel there is always a place for character and respect, for decorum and sensitivity.  Our classroom climate feels  etter to me the last few weeks, since my professor decided to ask class members to subdue their language in class at my suggestion.  This class in particular had reached a level of casualness and frequent use of profanity that I felt was interfering with, not enhancing the learning process.  I had previously shared with him that I was uncomfortable with how frequently the F-word was used in our weekly class.  We still have a few, interestingly mostly women, who continue to use the word at least once each time we meet.  My question is whether or not there are circumstances, where they refrain from using it and what would those circumstances be.  It turns out, after doing some research, that their right to use whatever language they choose does transcend my right, and others like me, to be in a learning atmosphere that we feel is appropriate for a university classroom.  To secure good grades and an MSW degree, must we attend a class where daily hearing profanity can be part of the deal and what are our options?

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Audrie, left, will soon be applying to Graduate School

Alyse, out youngest daughter, will be applying for college next year.

Jonathan, our grandson, will attend  after he returns from his LDS mission in Madagasgar.

Would I recommend a "green light" institution?

I know we as university students have a code of conduct we are to abide by and I wondered if profanity was addressed in that code and did that standard differ from university to university.  This topic has been an interesting one to research.  I learned that use of profanity wasn't addressed in my school's code.  I wondered whether it is addressed at other schools.  As I googled the topic, use of profanity in colleges and universities, I happened upon the following link that explains whether your college is a green, yellow or red light school, as pertaining to free speech:  https://www.thefire.org/spotlight-on-speech-codes-2017/  I learned that my school was considered a green light school. 

It has been interesting to feel among a cultural minority because of my conservative views about language and at the mercy of the majority and existing laws and standards.  I suddenly thought of an experience I had 40 years ago, while working at DCFS.   It was an option that a supervisor came up with.  I had never complained or said anything to him about my values.  He just knew.  We would have weekly staff meetings and after all essential items on the agenda were covered, he would invite me to leave if I would like.   He said, we are now going to exchange some information that you might find offensive.  (They sometimes liked to share off color jokes.) I simply thanked him and gratefully went to my desk.

I have included some of the things I found during my research:

Martin v. Parrish, 805 F.2d 583 (5th Cir. 1986)

The court upheld the dismissal of an economics instructor, holding that his use of profane language in a college classroom did not fall within the scope of First Amendment protection because it did not constitute speech on matters of public concern, and the language in question "was not germane to the subject matter in his class and had no educational function." In addition, the language was not protected because "it was a deliberate, superfluous attack on a 'captive audience' with no academic purpose or justification."

I also learned that the University of Southern Mississippi specifically addresses language as part of their school's code of conduct.  They are designated a yellow light school since adding a free speech and assembly policy in 2016.
https://www.usm.edu/about 

THE CREED AT SOUTHERN MISS

I belong to a community of scholars at The University of Southern Mississippi.

I will demonstrate integrity and determination in all academic pursuits.

I will appreciate the value of differences among people, customs and viewpoints and oppose hatred, bigotry and bias toward others.

I will exhibit behavior and choose language that demonstrates respect for fellow members of the Southern Miss community.

I will respect others by honoring their rights, privacy and belongings.

I will value human dignity in my academic, social and employment settings.

I commit to exhibiting civil behavior, demonstrating responsible citizenry, and doing my part to achieve a positive and secure living and learning environment for all.

This school however, just recently added the following: 

 Free Speech and Assembly Policy

 Free Speech and Assembly Policy, July 2016

A. The University has established high visibility areas on campus in order to facilitate robust debate and the free exchange of ideas. These “free speech zones” may be used by any person, including non-students and other campus guests:

a. Weathersby Lawn

b. Union Plaza 14

c. Shoemaker Square

d. Kennard-Washington Lawn

e. Centennial Lawn

B. These may be used without permission from the University so long as the area has not been previously reserved or scheduled for a particular function, no sound amplification is used, no structure is erected, and the participants do not violate other University policies. For a person using these free speech zones to obtain prior permission, they should visit the Dean of Students’ office 48 hours in advance in order to make adequate arrangements for safety and security and to insure the space desired is available. Any speaker may be denied or asked to leave if the proposed speech would constitute an immediate and serious danger to the institution's orderly operation by the speaker's incitement of such actions by:

1. The willful damage or destruction or seizure and subversion of the institution's buildings or other property;

2. The forcible disruption or impairment or interference with the institution's regularly scheduled classes or other educational functions;

3. The physical harm, coercion, intimidation or other invasion of lawful rights of the institution's officials, faculty members or students;

4. Other campus disorder of a violent nature. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as limiting the right of student expression elsewhere on the campus so long as the expressive activities or related student conduct does not violate any other applicable University policies.

https://youtu.be/fjKjU5UHMb0  Here is a video that includes their creed and reasons for language standards.  I loved the standards they encourage. 

I recall sharing in class that I didn’t think the use of explicit language to this degree would be found at other local MSW programs such as those offered at other local niversities.  It turns out I was right.  The Fire Organization website puts “Going Green” in a whole new context.  I learned that my university is among a minority of Universities throughout the United States that have earned a “Green Light” designation.  The Fire Organization calls this progress.  It is quite literally to have few, if any, bars on the tongue no matter how distressing it might be to the individuals present.  They go into detail about free speech zones and their current efforts to make all universities “Green”.