R006-9899

10				A RESOLUTION CONCERNING
20		FREEDOM OF SPEECH ON UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CAMPUSES

30      WHEREAS:  	An intention of a University is to provide a forum for
40			open, and free, speech; and,

50	WHEREAS:  	The 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United
60			States  states that "Congress shall make no law...abridging the
70			freedom of speech, or of the press;" and,

80	WHEREAS:  	Speech is free, even if it is "offensive" to others; and,

90      WHEREAS:  	Banning offensive speech constitutes a violation of the
100			1st Amendment of the Constitution; and,

110	WHEREAS:  	Some campuses in the University of Maryland System have
120			taken steps to ban speech deemed to be "offensive."

130	THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:  That the Maryland Student Legislature
140			urges the University of Maryland System to lift all limits on
150			speech, "offensive" or otherwise to assure that our academic and
160     			Constitutional right to freedom of speech is not abridged or
170     			violated.

180	MANDATES:	Governor Parris N. Glendening
190			Maryland Secretary of Education Patricia S.
200			Florestano, Ph.D.




Sponsor:
Michael Andersen
Salisbury State University, Box 1034
Salisbury, MD 21801
410/548-2900
mra9955@students.ssu.edu