MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 9 94
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SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894
Grounds Use
4 Our View
10 Q & A
The University of Alabama has various policies that apply to students who wish to express their First Amendment rights on campus. The Grounds Use Policy has been implemented inconsistently during events and protests held on campus.
The University of Alabama must edit or modify a number of its policies, including its Grounds Use Policy, in order to promote the free exchange of ideas on campus.
The Crimson White sat down with Ronald Krotoszynski, director of faculty research within the University’s School of Law, to discuss the University’s free speech policies.
CW
/ La yto n Du dley, P h o to Illu stration by Pete
Pajor
THE SOUND OF SILENCE The Crimson White takes an in-depth look at free speech on campus
FREE SPEECH EDITION
INSIDE briefs 2 opinions 4
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MONDAY February 23, 2015
SCENE ON CAMPUS Senior catcher Chaunsey Bell makes a play behind the plate during a loss to Michigan this weekend. CW / Layton Dudley
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36-year-old University of Alabama social work student dies
WHAT: BILATERAL: Heather and Josh Whidden WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. WHERE: Sella-Granata Art Gallery, 109 Woods Hall
UA student Melina Dawn Steele died Wednesday, according to a press release sent Friday afternoon by Stacy L. Jones, associate dean of students. She was 36 years old and a distance learning graduate student in the School of Social
Work. Visitation was held Feb. 21 in Attalla, Alabama, and funeral services were held Sunday in Steele, Alabama. Compiled by Katie Shepherd
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Faculty and staff are being asked to refrain from opening any emails with the following subject lines: “Document Important,” “Important Document,” “Account Report” or “Fax sent.” OIT security is aware of a virus circulating through zip attachments sent to faculty and staff emails on the listserv. OIT stated in an email on Friday, Feb. 20,
that they were working to close all points of entry the virus might be capable of entering. Until the virus has been fixed, everyone is asked to not open any zip file attachments even if they appear to be sent from known people. Compiled by Rachel Brown
Men’s golf in second after opening round of Puerto Rico Classic No. 11 Alabama men’s golf finished the first day of the Puerto Rico Classic in second with a score of 3-under par 285. The Crimson Tide was led by sophomore Robby Shelton. He finished with a 3-under 69, which is tied for second overall. Junior Tom Lovelady shot 2-under 70 and sophomore Dru Love
shot 1-under 71. The Crimson Tide is paired with Georgia and Virginia Tech for Tuesday’s start. The teams will tee off on holes 1 through 4 at 8 a.m. Compiled by Kelly Ward
Alabama baseball avoids sweep, earns program’s 2,500th win Alabama baseball hit five doubles and a home run as part of the 14 hits it needed to down the No. 3 Houston Cougars 8-3. The win improved Alabama to 4-2 on the year. Four players recorded multiple hits in the win. Alabama also picked up its 2,500th win as a program. Its first win came on July 1, 1892, which was the
program’s first game, in a 6-3 victory over Sewanee. The Crimson Tide will host Savannah State on Tuesday in Hoover, Alabama, for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. Compiled by Kelly Ward
Mainz inducted into Alabama Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame Alabama women’s tennis coach Jenny Mainz was inducted into the Alabama Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame. The Alabama Tennis Foundation is a branch of the United States Tennis Association. Mainz is the longest-tenured and most successful coach in Alabama women’s tennis history. She has led 11 teams to the NCAA Championships, six
of which were consecutive. Eleven of her teams have finished in the top 40. In 2014, the women’s tennis team captured its first ever SEC Championship title. On May 1, 2014, the team reached its highest-ever national ranking of No. 2. Compiled by Kelly Ward
Alabama women’s tennis wins second consecutive Blue Gray title The Alabama women’s tennis team toppled Texas Tech 4-1 on Sunday to take the Blue Gray championship. Junior Maya Jansen was named the 2015 Blue Gray Classic MVP after taking her
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MONDAY February 23, 2015
Groups alter strategy after speech conflicts
FIRE Codes Red Light Code Rating The university has at least one policy that "clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech," or expression that is protected by the First Amendment. This depends on the existence of such policies, not how the policy is applied to students.
By Cokie Thompson | Staff Reporter
College campuses across the country often make national news for conflicts between their student groups and administrations, and The University of Alabama is no exception. In the last few years, anit-abortion and pro-abortion rights advocates in particular have come into conflict with UA regulations regarding free speech on campus. In April 2013, Bama Students for Life hosted the Genocide Awareness Project on the Quad. When the Alabama Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Justice attempted to counterprotest by handing out flyers around the display, they were asked to leave because they did not have a Grounds Use Permit. In February 2014, Bama Students for Life set up a display in the In 2014, a Bama Students for Life display was removed Ferguson Center stairwell display two days early. Photo Courtesy of Joe Puchner case. Before their time slot was up, Joe Puchner, a sophomore majoring Alabama Alliance for Sexual and in math and Spanish and a member Reproductive Justice and a sophomore of Bama Students for Life, discovered majoring in English, said the conflict Ferguson Center officials taking down in April 2013 has continued to affect the display, saying they had received the group’s endeavors. “After that happened, we were a litcomplaints about it. “We just thought it was a fight that tle more cautious in all of our events we had ground against and needed to from then on, so most of the stuff that be done,” Puchner said. “It’s not just we do is tabling events in the Ferg and a pro-life/pro-choice issue. If anyone that sort of thing,” she said. Banning said the club’s tactics have can say, ‘This display case offends me,’ that’s sort of a problem to just take changed in other ways in addition to hosting tabling events rather than it down.” According to a statement from protesting. She said she now likes to wait for people to Cathy Andreen, director approach her table rather of media relations, the than hand out a flyer to director of the Ferguson who walks by. Center apologized and We just thought it was everyone “I feel like that reinpromised the group they states people’s autonocould work out a date a fight that we had and allows them to for the display to be put ground against and my engage in free speech how back up. “The director of the needed to be done. they would like to engage in it,” she said. Ferguson Center conBanning said the lack tacted Bama Students — Joe Puchner — of further conflict with for Life and apologized the administration over to them for removing the free speech regulations display two days before has more to do with what their reserved time had expired,” Andreen said. “He offered students are willing to risk rather than them two options for putting their dis- an agreement with the policies. “I think there has been an avoidplay back up to complete their 30-day reservation. They agreed on a date and ance because most college students are understandably not willing to be put the display up for two days.” Despite the display being put back arrested,” she said. “There runs this up, Puchner said the incident has had a line of, ‘How can you be an activist lasting effect on the way the Ferguson with that hanging over your head, and Center operates. For example, the case what privileges do you need to come that held their display no longer exists, to the table with in order to take that something Puchner said could have burden on?’” She said it is important that stubeen related to the above incident. “That sort of defeats the purpose dents feel safe on their own campus of a university, a place where those in addition to being able to express ideas are supposed to be explored and their beliefs. “It’s difficult because if no one took shared, and there’s no better place to do that than a display case or handing those risks then nothing would get out flyers on the Quad while another done, but I think it’s very much a personal decision whether or not you’re group is protesting,” he said. Sarah Banning, president of willing to take those risks,” she said.
Yellow Light Code Rating University policies restrict some protected expression. This could be due to vague or overbroad wording in policies or policies that intentionally limit expression. The policies' threat to free speech depends on how the policy is applied to students.
Green Light Code Rating University policies do not seriously infringe on student freedom of speech. Though this doesn't necessarily mean a university supports free expression, it means FIRE is not aware of policies that violate free speech for students.
CW / Sloane Arogeti
FIRE gives UA ‘red light’ By Rachel Brown | News Editor
The University of Alabama was given a “Red Light” rating by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education for its speech codes, meaning the University has at least one policy that “clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech,” according to FIRE’s website. FIRE, founded in 1999, is an organization that seeks to defend First Amendment rights of college-age citizens, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, legal equality and due process. According to FIRE, The University of Alabama’s Housing and Residential Communities Community Living Standards Code 3.04 substantially restricts free speech and was given a specific red light designation. The code states, “Residents, students, HRC staff, visitors, and any other person are to be free from all forms of (1) intimidation, bullying, and harassment, including, but not limited to, physical, online/ electronic, sexual, telephone, verbal, non-verbal, and written communications; (2) threats of violence, including, but not limited to, physical, online/electronic, sexual,
telephone, verbal, non-verbal, and written communications; and (3) discriminatory or inflammatory language, including, but not limited to, online/electronic, telephone, verbal, non-verbal, or written communications with the intent to harm or incite. Further, posting materials on outside of room door, in hallway, or public/common spaces with the intent to harm or incite others is prohibited.” The University of Alabama is one of nine colleges in the state of Alabama to receive an overall red light rating for speech codes. FIRE describes a speech code as “any university regulation or policy that prohibits expression that would be protected by the First Amendment in society at large. Any policy – such as a harassment policy, a protest and demonstration policy, or an IT acceptable use policy – can be a speech code if it prohibits protected speech or expression.” The University of Alabama has six codes with yellow light designations and only one green light code. Auburn was given an overall yellow speech rating, meaning its student policies have been found to be free of any code that would significantly restrict a student’s right to free speech.
Place all waste materials in trash receptacles, to ensure they do not make their way into our local bodies of water.
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Editor | Patrick Crowley Letters@cw.ua.edu Monday, February 23, 2015
OURVIEW
UA must edit policies to protect free speech Speech Codes Modify the HRC Community Living Standards to remove prohibitions on "inflammatory" language and "harassment," which can be construed to include political statements, religious proselytizing, art and humor, not just threats or insults. In the HRC policy and Student Code of Conduct, clarify the difference between protected and unprotected speech. Unprotected speech includes language to incite harm and threats of violence. Protected speech might be offensive or inflammatory, but it is permitted under the First Amendment. How these policies are applied is irrelevant. Their mere existence has a chilling effect on student speech.
Grounds Use Policy As a traditional public forum, the Quad must be exempted from the Grounds Use Policy. Spontaneous demonstrations must be allowed to occur at The University of Alabama. Counter protests must be allowed to occur, regardless of whether or not the individual or group has a Grounds Use Permit. CW / Sloane Arogeti
A university should be a place for a community of scholars to exchange knowledge and engage in meaningful discourse – a marketplace of ideas where truth prevails. Such a vision of higher education necessitates free discussions amongst all members of the community, regardless of whether or not those discussions are unpopular, unsavory or controversial. The burden is on us to learn, understand and respect conflicting beliefs and diverse viewpoints. The world is not black and white. It’s gray, and if we do not understand that we will not always be right, we will have failed the core mission of attaining an education. Several policies at The University of Alabama reduce the number of controversial discussions and have a chilling effect on speech that some might find uncomfortable. Portions of the Housing and Residential Communities Community Living Standards, Student Code of Conduct and Grounds Use Permit policies stand in direct opposition to both our constitutional right to free speech and the idea of the University as a place for the free exchange of ideas. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a non-profit Philadephia-based group that monitors First Amendment rights on college campuses, gave The University of Alabama’s speech code a red light rating. A red rating means that at least one policy both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. The HRC Community Living Standards outlines forms of speech that it prohibits, including “harassment,” “threats of violence” and “discriminatory or inflammatory language … with the intent to harm or incite.” Some of these guidelines refer to speech that is patently illegal, like threats and language with the intent to incite violence. However, broadly banning things like “inflammatory language” or “harassment” has no legal precedent and, as UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh pointed out, speech that can be called harassment “isn’t limited to threats or insults, but includes political statements, religious proselytizing, art, and humor – material that’s at the core of the First Amendment’s protections.” HRC needs to make a clear distinction between illegal speech like threats of physical violence and protected speech like inflammatory language that does not entail the intent to harm or incite violence. Substantial changes to the HRC policy and Student Code of Conduct removing portions that prohibit protected speech and clarifying speech that has been found illegal will bolster productive discussion on campus while encouraging students to engage in a true, unrestrained exchange of ideas. How these policies are applied is irrelevant; their mere existence represents an attempt to chill free speech on campus. Grounds use permits must also be substantially revised in order to promote free student
EDITORIAL BOARD
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS
Andy McWhorter editor-in-chief Sloane Arogeti visuals editor Tara Massouleh managing editor Beth Lindly online editor Sean Landry production editor Peyton Shepard chief copy editor Patrick Crowley opinions editor
Letters to the editor must contain fewer than 300 words and guest columns fewer than 500. Send submissions to letters@cw.ua. edu. Submissions must include the author’s name, year, major and daytime phone
number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published. Students should also include their year in school and major. The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all guest columns and letters to the editor.
IN SHORT: As campuses across the country implement speech codes, ban speakers and broadly limit student speech, The University of Alabama must take a stand and commit itself to the free and open exchange of ideas. speech. In the past few years alone, the grounds use policy has been used unequally to permit certain groups on campus while preventing other groups from assembling. For example, the 2013 “Harlem Shake” was required to disband and file for a permit while movements like the Final Stand in the Schoolhouse Door were given a permit ex post facto. When Bama Students for Life, armed with a grounds use permit, held a demonstration on campus with pictures of aborted fetuses to convey their message, they were protected from counter protesters who did not have a permit. Inconsistency in granting a permit is a de facto means of control over what groups and ideas are permitted on campus. Yes, recent changes by the University have streamlined the process to acquire a permit, but their application to traditional public forums on campus like the Quad still represents a fundamental challenge to free speech. The Quad has historically been used as a place for public gathering and as a public forum. Every gameday in the fall and every Homecoming bonfire serves to demonstrate the public nature of the Quad. For that reason, enforcing time, place and manner restrictions on a public space that has historically been used as a public forum violates the Constitution and goes against the free exchange of ideas that constitutes a place of higher education. Furthermore, spontaneous demonstrations and assemblies must be allowed to occur somewhere on campus, and the Quad is the natural location. Likewise, counter protesters, whether they are individuals or groups, should be able to exercise their rights to free speech, regardless of whether or not they have a grounds use permit. The right to peacefully assemble and present controversial ideas is a fundamental part of American history and a basic right for all. Places of higher education like The University of Alabama must be free marketplaces for all ideas and and must set aside areas on campus for students to gather and voice their opinions. Similarly, the University policies that govern individual students need to be more specific and differentiate between protected and unprotected speech. As campuses across the country to implement speech codes, ban speakers and broadly limit student speech, The University of Alabama must take a stand and commit itself to the free and open exchange of ideas. Our View represents the consensus of The Crimson White Editorial Board.
Last Week’s Poll: Do you think The University of Alabama supports free speech? (Yes: 48%) (No: 52%) This Week’s Poll: Should the Grounds Use Policy apply to the Quad? cw.ua.edu
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OPINIONS Monday, February 23, 2015 COLUMN | STUDENT SPEECH
The University should make it easier for student voices to be heard
MARK
Hammontree Staff Columnist
Since this is a special issue of the paper, this column is supposed to be about the status of students’ freedom of speech here on The University of Alabama’s campus. Well, I guess it’s supposed to be my opinion about the status of free speech. But before we get to whether I think the University is or isn’t restricting the constitutional rights of its students, I guess we should first figure out what “free speech” really means. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” So reads Amendment I of the Constitution, the first among the Bill of Rights. If taken at its most literal,
“Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech” is pretty clear in how absolute a person’s right is to say whatever they want. But the last 200 or so years have shown us just how foolish it would be to take this, or many other amendments, so literally as absolutes. The simple truth is, you can’t say whatever you want. You can’t threaten bodily harm, you can’t harass and abuse, you can’t slander and you can’t call people to violence against others. Basically, your freedom of speech doesn’t include you infringing on the rights or health of somebody else. Some people try to make freedom of speech a matter of extremes: either you’re for the complete freedom of anyone to say anything or you’re not. In reality, there are plenty of necessary and reasonable exemptions to the First Amendment that have been established over the course of our country’s history by Supreme Court cases and national and state laws. Freedom of speech is not an absolute right but it is a necessary right. Citizens have to be able to share their opinions and their grievances for any society to be truly democratic. They
have to be able to speak and shout the potential for any group to actuand sing peacefully without fear of ally make waves on campus, whatunreasonable penalty. ever the issue. Indeed, according to Unfortunately here at the University Cathy Andreen, the director of media students do not have the ability to relations, the policy is in place to fully exercise that right to make their ensure demonstrations “do not disvoices heard publicly. In order to rupt the University’s ability to eduhold any sort of protest or assembly cate our students and conduct our on campus grounds, students must daily operations.” first apply for a grounds use perIf the ability for speech to disrupt mit. Although the the status quo and administration has everyday rou“revised” the poltine of a society icy at times over is restricted, then the last few years, the spirit of the The University can the process for First Amendment essentially dampen the potential is diminished. No, securing a permit is time consuming not all speech is for any group to actually make and restrictive. free and without waves on campus, whatever There is currentconsequence. But ly no “free-speech this University the issue. zone” on campus, cannot purposely a space where stuturn students’ dents or groups right to speak, can simply hold assemble and a spontaneous protest or assembly. petition into a theoretical ideal that The grounds use policy establishes has no real power on campus. unnecessary barriers to students expressing their voices in a way that Mark Hammontree is a junior majoring in secondary education – can potentially yield results. The way things stand now, the language arts. His column runs University can essentially dampen weekly.
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OPINIONS
Monday, February 23, 2015
COLUMN | COMMENCEMENT
Student protests protect speech MATTHEW
Bailey Staff Columnist
CW / Kevin Pabst
COLUMN | DISCOURSE
Opposing beliefs should be equally respected TJ
Parks Staff Columnist
My attitude toward free speech was heavily influenced by my Uncle Doc, a friend of the family who was very vocal with his opinions, many of which ran opposite to my own. For a long time I never said anything about his rants, fearing that our relationship might be strained if I told him I thought he was wrong. Facebook post after Facebook post, I watched in silence as he used social media to vent his frustrations and champion his causes. Finally, I messaged him about it. At first he didn’t respond. Worried that he was angry, I sent an apology for losing my temper. When he finally replied to my message, I was surprised to find that he was not angry at all – he was proud. He said he loved it when people use their First Amendment rights, and he said I should never apologize for voicing my opinion. I thank him for that advice frequently in my life, particularly when I peek in the online comments section every two weeks to see what people have to say about my articles. Free speech is an important part of American culture. It is
a proponent of change and a social movements. The ideas expressed by these safeguard against tyranny. Social movements from abolition to individuals, publications and ralwomen’s suffrage were benefi- lies are controversial viewpoints ciaries of work done by speakers championed by a minority of peoand writers such as William Lloyd ple. Although that quality puts Garrison, Susan B. Anthony and these ideas at odds with most of Martin Luther King, Jr. Free the public and at times makes speech also gives citizens the them offensive to mainstream opportunity to openly talk about society, it is also the quality that politicians, allowing the public makes them worth protecting. to hold officials accountable for Many ideas and values popular today began as opinions expressed their actions. by a minority of D e sp i t e the people. The prinimportance free ciple of minority speech has in our rights is a key prinsociety, free speech People should not be ciple of American often finds itself forced to apologize for democracy, and it in danger. The Sedition Act passed their opinions, nor should is through the protection of minority in 1798 limited they be silenced for them. rights that change speech criticizing can occur and the federal governconversations can ment. During the be held. The benRed Scare of the late efits of free speech 1940s and 1950s, a blacklist prevented numerous pro- and minority viewpoints are too fessionals in the film industry sus- important to restrict them on the pected of being communists from basis that some viewpoints are offensive. People should not be obtaining work. Even today, free speech experi- forced to apologize for their opinences threats from multiple sourc- ions, nor should they be silenced es. The French satire magazine for them. All voices in the converCharlie Hebdo and a free speech sation, no matter how disagreerally in Copenhagen, Denmark, able they are, play an important have both been targets of physi- role. So please, let us keep the cal violence. The University conversation going. of Michigan student newspaper suspended columnist Omar TJ Parks is a freshman majorMahmood from its writing staff ing in anthropology, history after he wrote a controversial and journalism. His column runs article satirizing politically-left biweekly.
Student protests of individuals chosen to speak at their schools, especially commencement speakers, have increased over the past few years. Many have considered these protests to be an attack on the free exchange of ideas. However, this is about as far from the truth you can get. These are typical complaints from people when they are being criticized for their actions and beliefs. It is pretty obvious that individuals do not have a right to speak to the captive audience of graduates available in a commencement speech. They also do not have the right to an honorary degree or the tens of thousands of dollars that many speakers will make. None of these things are free speech rights that individuals would have taken away if they were uninvited because of protests. Additionally, it is an easy argument to make that the controversy would instead amplify their speech being protested. The complaints about the speaker protests also do not seem to realize the reality of student input in the process. Most decisions to get government officials or big-name speakers to campus are not going to involve much student input at all. Since the students are then able to get their views out, the people who complain about the protesters almost seem to want the students to accept whoever the school feels is appropriate. That is extremely fascinating given that the most common complaint about the protests is that they stifle debate and academic freedom. In actuality, nonviolent protests are perfect examples of debating the merits of speakers and fulfilling the goal of the marketplace of ideas. It gives the students a way to debate the pros and cons of the speakers when they were not able to be part of that conversation earlier. The protests and conversation add to the marketplace of ideas and spark debates, rather than stifle them. An issue that has been ignored in this discussion is that commencement speakers do not really contribute to the exchange of ideas. If you have views that are in opposition to a professor or classmate then you are going to be able to discuss it with them inside and outside of class. This is absolutely not true of commencement speakers. The speaker has a captive audience that is not really able to question its ideas much beyond booing and small amounts of heckling. Students who have opposing views are not questioning the speaker and they are not being challenged in an environment that encourages debate. All these complaints that many have made regarding student protests of speakers seem to miss the point in many ways. Free speech and the marketplace of ideas include the ability for many to non-violently protest and include a challenging viewpoint in debate. Free speech includes the right to speak your mind but it also includes the right of others to criticize your speech and ideas. Opponents of the protests seem to forget the second part of that. Matthew Bailey is a third-year law student. His column runs biweekly.
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OPINIONS Monday, February 23, 2015 COLUMN | EVENT PLANNING
Grounds use systems have improved, but lack of trust still pervades LEIGH
Terry Staff Columnist
During my time here, I have seen The University of Alabama’s free speech policies from every angle: as a marcher in the unapproved “Final Stand in the Schoolhouse Door,” as an officer in Students for Open Doors and Ethical Leadership, as a member of our assembly of campus leaders discussing free speech from a variety of perspectives and now as a student worker in one of the offices that approves events under the new system. As a frequent event planner, I can say many things have changed for the better. The new Event Smart system established last fall has made the process of applying for space for free expression on campus faster, easier and more accessible to all students. It has taken an outdated paper process online and changed it from being an issue of sole discretion of the Risk Management and Grounds Maintenance staffers to being in the hands of a wider committee of
professionals. This has addressed the information asymmetry that existed between older more established organizations and new outsider clubs. However, while systemic improvements have made life easier for planners of pre-planned meetings, fundraisers and social and educational events, they have done little to restore the decades of distrust that have developed between students and administrators. Currently, Event Smart requests that students submit requests seven to 10 business days before the event in question. The new system has not yet been tested by the need for immediate demonstration, and the University has not laid out a process to circumvent Event Smart’s built-in delays to allow for free expression in emergencies. If the need arose for a sudden demonstration, I still don’t trust that my administration wouldn’t do everything in its power to discourage and derail any free expression that might bring press attention to its students. Meanwhile, every traveling preacher and anti-LGBT group with a megaphone and angry signs can yell at students from whatever corner of campus they so choose. This gives an observer the impression that The University of Alabama cares more about the
WHAT I THINK • The new Event Smart system established last fall has made the process of applying for space for free expression on campus faster, easier and more accessible to all students. • Administrators have done little to restore the decades of distrust that have developed between students and administrators. • The University of Alabama must step up and put its students before its out-of-state-friendly image.
possibility that an outsider will sue over their First Amendment protections than the fact it infringes upon the protections of its students. The University of Alabama must step up and put its students before its out-of-state-friendly image and establish a public process that would loosen free speech restrictions, nurture trust between students and administrators and ensure every student knows how to express their constitutional rights
on short notice. This could be accomplished by designating a point person to register last-minute political, social or religious expressions or by acknowledging an assumed right to free speech in the absence of violence. “Public disturbance” cannot be the sole reason for shutting down a demonstration when non-students with megaphones are not held to the same standard. The calm between storms is a time to reflect and improve upon on the systems that have silenced students. However, The University of Alabama should not think this calm means another storm will not arise. Colleges will always be hotbeds for activism and incubators for radical ideas, and the University should not just accommodate but encourage the personal development and free expression of the minds it has been trusted with. This will require students, faculty and administrators working together to restore trust, create transparent systems and establish processes that are even-handed enough to handle the politics of our time and flexible enough to adapt to change in the future. Leigh Terry is a junior majoring in economics and political science. Her column runs biweekly.
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MONDAY February 23, 2015
Students protest during the Final Stand in the Schoolhouse Door march in 2013. The march did not apply for a permit and was not asked to cease activities. CW File
Grounds Use Policy complicates demonstrations By Elizabeth Elkin | Staff Reporter
Any student organization that wishes to hold an event on campus, be it a speech, protest, demonstration or other, must comply with the University’s Grounds Use Policy. Concerns have been expressed in the past that such a policy could infringe on a student’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech. “I am in favor of having a grounds use policy to make sure everything is done safely and securely,” said Sam Ostrow, a freshman majoring in political science and history. “However, it needs to be enforced uniformly. Speech is most free when discourse is free. Without it, we lose the best thing about our country.” The University implemented the Grounds Use Policy to better accommodate the growing student body and the increased demand to use campus grounds and facilities. Currently, any organization that wishes to use University property must request a grounds use permit through UA Facilities. “The grounds use permit process ensures that events, speeches, demonstrations, etc., held on our campus do not endanger the safety of our students and the campus community and do not disrupt the University’s ability to educate our students and conduct our daily operations,” said Cathy Andreen, the director of media relations. “In addition, the process helps to avoid conflicts between
events that might be scheduled for the same time and place.” Events that have not been approved by University officials and have not received a Grounds Use Permit may be asked to cease activity and reschedule the event once they have a permit. The process of obtaining approval includes completing a training session and submitting a form that details the event. In 2013, a Bama Students for Life demonstration sponsored by the Genocide Awareness Project featured graphic antiabortion images. Organizers submitted a permit request and received approval from UA Facilities. The Alabama Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Justice learned of the protest the afternoon before it began, according to members of the group. Group members wanted to pass out fliers as a counter protest. The AASRJ applied for a grounds use permit the day they started passing out fliers. Members of the group said an officer warned them that any members who continued to distribute fliers without a permit would be arrested. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education sent a letter to the University asking that the school change its Grounds Use Policy due to concern for students’ First Amendment rights. Peter Bonilla, director of the Individual Rights Defense Program at FIRE, spoke in favor of change to the policy after the letter was sent.
“I think a handful of students, whether in their individual capacities or as part of one of The University of Alabama’s many campus organizations, when it’s a matter of a handful of students peacefully giving out fliers on the public area of the campus – that is simply a free speech activity that should never require obtaining a permit from the University to do so,” he said. Other events the same year included a “Harlem Shake” filming, a Westboro Baptist Church demonstration, a counter protest to that demonstration, and the Final Stand in the Schoolhouse Door 2013 march. The “Harlem Shake” filming did not have a permit and participants were asked to cease activity. Both the church demonstration and the counter protest to that demonstration applied for and received permits. The Final Stand in the Schoolhouse Door, however, did not apply for a permit and was not asked to cease activities. Students organized the march in response to allegations of racial discrimination in Panhellenic sorority formal recruitment on campus. Ross Green, one of the demonstration’s organizers, said they did not file any paperwork and never had any intention of doing so. “While the demonstration was still under wraps we met with the administration and we told them we were intent on doing it at Rose [Administration Building],” he said after the event. “We
met the day before to discuss what all was going on, our plans and their plans for what steps were going to be taken. I think they realized just how important this was to all of us and word had leaked to them about the demonstration. Dr. [Mark] Nelson streamlined the process for us, and he made it to where we could demonstrate there without having to file for a grounds use permit.” Andreen said student-organized events can receive expedited approval for events that are in response to issues currently in the news. She said the option of expedited approval was added to the policy in July 2013 after the Bama Students for Life demonstration. “I don’t know if I agree with the need for pre-approval for a First Amendment right,” said Garrett Watson, a freshman. “On the other hand, it does bring a bit of order, you know, so random belligerent groups don’t just show up.” Courtney Wood, a freshman majoring in aerospace engineering, said she understands the need for a grounds use policy but is worried that it may infringe on First Amendment rights. “I feel like the grounds use policy is a great concept to prevent chaos and organize people’s voices,” she said. “At the same time, organizing voices and limiting the large demonstrations hold people back and infringes on their freedom of speech.”
9 Chalking provides outlet for free expression MONDAY February 23, 2015
By Margaret Wilbourne | Contributing Writer
closest to where you live.” Sam Gerard, a senior majoring in hisA quick Google search for “college tory and political science, is the president campus chalking” reveals The University of the UA College Democrats. He agreed of Alabama is one of many colleges that chalking provides an opportunity for stuallows for the chalking of grounds in order dent groups to freely express themselves to provide, as the University’s chalking on campus. “Chalking is an excellent outlet for free guidelines state, an “inexpensive way to advertise or promote programs and speech, because it allows us to advertise for events.” However, the chalking scene is our meetings and events and demonstrate more than just a colorful way to spread the any of our artistic skill,” he said. Because of this use of art as communicanews of local events. “Chalking is a great avenue for free tion, Fraser said UADM encourages simple speech because there aren’t any limits designs but ultimately gives control of the to what you can do,” said Chloe Fraser, designs to members. “Our strategy is that we just want somea senior majoring in apparel design and human environmental sciences. “Granted, thing practical and successful, so that there’s some words [you can’t use], but means not too many words and enough space,” she said. “We’ll give as a whole, you can freely them words, but the rest is up express yourself.” Fraser is this year’s direc... there aren’t any to them creativity-wise.” Chalking does have its tor of public relations for UA limits to what you limits, though. Some rules in Dance Marathon, a studentthe UA handbook regarding run philanthropy that raises can do. chalking include no chalking money for the Children’s on concrete or brick pavers, Hospital of Alabama and — Chloe Fraser — the Ferguson Center plaza is known for its chalking or the sidewalks surrounding around campus. the School of Law. “We use collaborative “Grounds can be sticklers – we’re not groups to get the chalking done; we’ll buy 10 boxes of chalk and then delegate those allowed anywhere that the rain can’t wash throughout different committees,” she it off, like sides of buildings or the rise part said. “Then those committee members of the stairs,” Fraser said. As a whole, Fraser said chalking as are in charge of different zones around campus, which is pretty much wherever is a promotional move isn’t always the
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Chalking on campus is governed by rules in the student handbook. CW / Layton Dudley
best tactic. “I’m torn – sometimes it seems like a waste of time because of the Alabama weather,” she said. “We’ll chalk and then that morning at 3 a.m. it rains and all washes away, which is frustrating. Someone might also not stop to read the [chalked message] because they think, ‘Oh, it’s probably the same one I read yesterday,’ and keep going.” Gerard also said there can be drawbacks to chalking. “Chalking can have self-defeating aspects if there is any unforeseen rain or class cancellation for a prolonged period of time,” he said.
Rather than risk only using chalk to get a message across, Fraser said chalking is better used as a tool alongside social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook. “For example, we’ll include a Twitter handle [with the chalking] to allow people to go explore what we’re promoting,” she said. “Chalking is really just a stepping stone to more information.” Gerard said the College Democrats have received good feedback from simple chalked messages. “Being able to advertise for our organization through chalking has led to us having a lot of people join [our organization] because they saw our chalking,” he said.
10 Law expert comments on campus free speech MONDAY February 23, 2015
Krotoszynski says students should follow procedure when challenging campus policy By Laura Testino | Assistant Culture Editor
Ronald Krotoszynski is the John S. Stone Chairholder of Law and Director of Faculty Research within the University’s School of Law. His areas of law expertise include administrative, telecommunication and constitutional law and the First Amendment. Krotoszynski has published a casebook and two university press books in relation to First Amendment law. As a professor of law, what do you believe are some of the fundamental rights students should have in relation to free speech? Context is everything. To answer the question generally is not possible, but in general, students enjoy free speech rights that vary depending on the exact context in which the expressive conduct occurs. In an area that constitutes a traditional or general-purpose public forum, however, students cannot be subjected to viewpoint or content discrimination. At the same time, even in a public forum, students are not entitled to make threats or engage in conduct that constitutes harassment. And even a public forum may be regulated on a content-neutral basis through reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. How do other universities protect students’ rights to free speech? Private universities are not state actors and do not have to respect constitutional rights, including rights secured by the First Amendment. State-operated universities are state actors and, accordingly, are bound by the First Amendment. As a general matter, universities protect speech rights in large measure by not regulating speech in the first place. For example, I’ve never had my dean or a University administrator attempt to tell me what I may or may not teach in my courses at the law school. Anything not prohibited is effectively permitted. University restrictions on student, faculty and staff speech are the exceptions to the general rule that applies. And such regulations limiting speech on campus are subject to First Amendment scrutiny. How do you think [the University’s] policies match in comparison? My own perception is that the University does a good job of balancing the right to free expression against the right of students, faculty and staff not to be subjected to threats or verbal harassment. So long as speech regulations target unlawful conduct and not viewpoints or ideology, such regulations are likely constitutional. In other words, it’s permissible to hold and share discriminatory viewpoints, but if you target a person for harassment, the University will respond. Provided that the University applies speech regulations along the lines of Title VII’s “hostile workplace” doctrine, such regulations are perfectly constitutional. Since I’ve been here, for
Ronald Krotoszynski Photo Courtesy of Ronald Krotoszynski
example, the Westboro Baptist Church has come to campus at least once, perhaps more than once. I cannot think of a more offensive group – they target the funerals of deceased members of the U.S. armed forces for targeted protest using highly offensive placards and language. Clearly Westboro goes out of its way to be intentionally outrageous and offensive, yet it’s protected speech because they do not make true threats and they do not engage in harassing behavior. [The University] has been ranked as one of the worst universities for free speech. What about its policies do you think factor into this ranking and opinion? I have not heard of any complaints regarding academic freedom at the University, for example, which is not the case at other state institutions. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been accused of censoring faculty speech and allegedly retaliating against a law professor for writing op-eds critical of the state government’s efforts to address poverty. The University of Colorado has fired academics for publishing controversial opinions. This just isn’t happening here. I’ve also not heard of
So long as speech regulations target unlawful conduct and not viewpoints or ideology, such regulations are likely constitutional. — Ronald Krotoszynski — any students being subject to viewpoint discrimination in their studies here. Academic freedom seems alive and well at The University of Alabama. If this question relates to the grounds policy, well, the Supreme Court has held that the U.S. Postal Service need not make available sidewalks or parking areas at local post offices for pamphleting or protest activity. The case name is Kokinda. With respect to government-owned property, the Supreme Court has given government entities broad discretion to regulate how property is used – including bans on expressive activities. I think the logic of these decisions is questionable, but the law is quite settled that a government entity may reserve property for its intended uses, and I take the grounds policy to be [the University’s] means of doing just this. I would hasten to add, however, that the University does not control or own streets and sidewalks that abut University
property, that these areas constitute classic or traditional public fora and that students, faculty, staff, local residents, visitors – anybody – is free to protest, leaflet or picket on city-owned public property of this sort. Large parts of the University’s grounds do not constitute a public forum, and the University may constitutionally regulate use of this property for expressive activities. It’s possible that some areas, such as the main Quad, constitute a public forum; the University’s ability to regulate speech in a traditional public forum would be more limited. I suspect that the University takes the position that the Quad is not a public forum, however, and someone seeking to establish this status would need to litigate the matter. I am confident that the University would abide by a court ruling that declares the Quad a public forum, if such a ruling were to issue from a federal court. I can see arguments for both sides. Let me add as well that even if the Quad is a public forum, the University would still be permitted to adopt and enforce content-neutral and reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. So designating the Quad a public forum would not imply that the area would automatically become a kind of free speech, free-fire zone. Should students feel that their rights to free speech are violated, what is the best way to communicate this? I would suggest taking it up with campus security and the UA administration. If these conversations do not prove sufficiently fruitful, the federal courts are open. Moreover, there are organizations such as the ACLU that take on such litigation against government defendants as part of their core mission. My own view is that if you can negotiate a resolution without recourse to the courts, that would be best for a variety of reasons. It would be faster, cheaper and more efficient. But if someone sincerely believes that their constitutional rights are being violated, the proper way to test that proposition is to seek judicial relief in the federal courts. One thing that I would never counsel: willful or intentional violation of the University’s regulations. There’s a formal process for legally testing speech regulations that you believe violate the First Amendment, and this process does not involve simply violating a rule that you believe to be unconstitutional. Follow the proper channels of obtaining recourse within the University, and if those do not resolve your issue, test the regulations in a federal court. That is how our system works.
11 UAPD lacks role of public information ofďŹ cer MONDAY February 23, 2015
By Collin Burwinkel and Nick Privitera | CW Staff
The University of Alabama Police Department currently maintains a staff of 79 authorized, full-time sworn officers. With roles ranging from patrol to administration to investigation, UAPD lacks a role in the form of a public information officer. A public information officer generally serves as a media contact within certain government organizations, providing information among other things. Douglas Klutz, a professor in the department of criminal justice, said a PIO can help communication travel through police departments to the media or public. “Generally, a public information officer serves as a bridge of communication between a law enforcement agency/department and the public,� he said. “Their primary role is to facilitate effective communications with the media or public.� Cathy Andreen, the director of media relations for the University, said her office serves in the place for a PIO for UAPD. Media organizations are unable to directly contact UAPD. Instead, inquiries regarding any action UAPD takes such as arrests must be sent through the Office of Media Relations first. If UAPD were to utilize a public information officer, UA media relations would no longer act as a middleman for UAPD. This would allow for
A UAPD officer stands in front of Tutwiler Hall during a lockdown on Sept. 21, 2014. CW / Pete Pajor
an expert official, such as a PIO, to provide the same information. Klutz said police departments can benefit from having a PIO. “I think all law enforcement departments can benefit from having a specific point of contact in the PIO role if used effectively,� he said. “PIOs can help regulate and control the dissemination of information should a crisis or emergency situation arise. Misinformation tends to spread quickly in these types of situations, and having a point of contact to ensure factual information is disseminated is important.� The Tuscaloosa Police Department currently utilizes a public information officer. Sergeant Brent Blankley is responsible for keeping the public and the media informed
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and acts as a direct point of contact for TPD. “TPD utilizes a PIO position because we feel it gives the best possible service to the public and the media by having a designated point of information contact,� he said. “However, every department and its needs are different.� In addition to an absence of a public information officer, UAPD lacks a role to focus on social media, which can be an effective form of communication especially in an emergency situation. During the fall semester, an anonymous threat was made by a YouTube user under the name of “Authur Pendragon.� During the incident, rumors spread quickly on social media across
campus, causing the public to be misinformed. “If used effectively, social media provides a great medium to quickly and efficiently disseminate information for public consumption,� Klutz said. “This is especially the case with the younger-aged cohorts at a university setting where social media is extremely popular.� In contrast to UAPD, other University police departments across the South use social media and have rules similar to a public information officer. The University of Georgia’s police department is actively involved on social media with accounts on Twitter and Facebook, separate from their media relations department. In addition, UGA police interact directly with the media in handling public information requests. Jimmy Williamson, UGA chief of police, told The Crimson White in a 2013 interview that he deals with all media requests himself. “We’ve found bureaucracy slows it down and makes y’all [the media] search more,� he said. “I want to be as transparent as humanly possible, that way they don’t feel like they’re keeping something from someone.� Tom Jackson, vice president for public affairs for the University of Georgia, said the police chief can do a better job of talking about the department than he could. Andreen said there are no current plans to create a new position.
12
MONDAY February 23. 2015
Grounds use procedure causes student concern By Francie Johnson | Culture Editor
Alabama's version of the viral “Harlem Shake” was shut down by university officials and UAPD because organizers did not have a permit for a demonstration on the Quad. CW File
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What started as a playful event between friends ended in police inter• UAPD shut down a “Harlem Shake” vention when the “Harlem Shake” flash mob on the Quad on Feb. 18, made its debut at The University of 2013 for failing to obtain a grounds Alabama, leaving a legacy of frustration and uncertainty among many use permit. students regarding the University’s limitations on free speech. • UA Grounds denied Alpha Psi Omega “[It was] the average number of from using the steps of Gorgas students on the Quad a day; [the] Library for a Guerrilla Theatre only difference was there was music performance in September 2014. this time and they were all huddled closer,” said Nojan Radfar, who organized the event. “I don’t see anything wrong with that, especially if it would’ve only taken 10 minutes had Omega, said he faced obstacles when trying to plan a Guerrilla Theatre they not broken it up.” Radfar, a junior majoring in performance titled “Guerrilla Under finance, said he decided to plan the the Stars” in front of Gorgas Library, public gathering after his friend at the same location where the “Harlem the University of Texas bragged Shake” took place two years ago. “When I tried to talk to the Gorgas about the Harlem Shake on his campus. After 600 flyers, 250 tweets Library officials, they gave me a numand 20 Facebook posts, the “Harlem ber for someone at UA Grounds, who Shake,” a flash mob dance event, I called and did not get an answer,” he said. “It wasn’t until my came to fruition on officers and I walked over Monday, Feb. 18, 2013. Rose Administration “I really did not know It was the average to and got a different what to expect,” Radfar said. “I wasn’t thinking number of students number that we actually got in contact with it would get shut down, on the Quad a day; UA Grounds.” but there’s always that DeWitt submitted a slight chance that somethe only difference grounds use request in thing could go wrong. Once I saw all the people was there was music September, which was due to the proshow up, I did become a this time and they denied posed location on the little worried.” were all huddled Gorgas steps. Before long, UAPD “We cannot use the arrived to put a stop closer. Gorgas Library for a to the event, disperse myriad of reasons,” the crowd and ticket — Nojan Radfar — Donna McCray of the Radfar, who had failed University’s grounds to obtain a grounds use department said in an permit. The University’s Facilities and Grounds Use policy emailed response to DeWitt. “The requires students to request permis- steps cannot be used as seating or sion to host gatherings and events acts as this hinders accessibility on campus a minimum of 10 days to the library ingress and egress. This type of event also distracts in advance. “The grounds use permit process from the academic climate inside ensures that events, speeches, dem- the library; therefore, the Dean onstrations, etc., held on our campus requests that events take place away do not endanger the safety of our from entrances/exits.” Although he acknowledged the students and the campus community, and do not disrupt the University’s necessity of policies governing space ability to educate our students and on campus, DeWitt said he feels the conduct our daily operations,” UA University’s grounds use policies are Director of Media Relations Cathy exceedingly difficult for students to Andreen said. “In addition, the pro- comply with and are geared more cess helps to avoid conflicts between toward protecting the University’s events that might be scheduled public image than toward fostering for the same time and place. The an environment of free speech. “We have a problem at the University regularly reviews the grounds use policy to be sure that it University,” he said. “It has an administration infrastructure that continues to meet our needs.” Since the “Harlem Shake” incident, is near impossible for students to some organizations on campus have interact with in a useful way, full run into difficulties understanding of red tape and confusing rabbit and complying with the University’s holes. The grounds use policy is policies. Jordan DeWitt, a senior just one more example of the inefmajoring in theater and president ficient, confounding nature of the of theater honor society Alpha Psi UA system.”
13
MONDAY February 23, 2015
Hot Topics seminar series fosters student discussions By Matt Lund | Contributing Writer
From the ALS ice bucket challenge to the events surrounding Selma, Alabama, the ISIS threat and the legalization of gay marriage, hardly any topics are off limits at University Programs’ Hot Topics seminars. Originating two years ago, the Hot Topics seminar series is designed to
provide a comfortable environment for students to join in productive discussion over controversial topics. “The whole point of Hot Topics is to give students a safe environment to talk about things that might be a little more difficult,” said Michelle Fowler, a graduate student studying advertising and public relations and the program manager.
Formatted to be open and inclusive, the seminar has a ring of seats around two facilitators who present opposite sides of the month’s specific topic. The facilitators are generally UA faculty members with research backgrounds on the topic. After a 30-minute introduction to the issue, students are led through discussion by the facilitators for another hour.
“Students are very vocal about their opinions and thoughts,” said Latoya Scott, director of University Programs. “The mediators do a wonderful job directing the conversation. I’ve never seen any disrespect at any of the seminars.” Hot Topics seminars are usually held in 302 Ferguson Center, the Anderson Society Room.
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14
MONDAY February 23, 2015
Procedures for grounds use vary across campus By Francie Johnson and Laura Testino | CW Staff
The University’s Grounds Use Policy is in place to attend to additional teaching, research and service opportunities that support the mission of the school. Programs sponsored by the University’s academic and administrative departments and organizations affiliated with these departments receive second priority for use. Third priority is reserved for activities that “serve or benefit the University community and must not interfere with the academic climate of the University,” according to the Grounds Use Policy. Permission to reserve the space can be granted by designated University officials and must be for use by an academic or administrative department, registered student organization or University-affiliated student, faculty or staff member. All events must abide by local, state and federal laws as well. Event requests are filed with the Office of Student Involvement. Grounds use permits must be filled out completely 10 days prior to the event, should the event involve multiple approvals. Single approvals may take three days, and events inspired by recent events fulfill requirements for expedited requests.
University of Alabama Campus
CW / Claire Whorton
Ferguson Center and Plaza This area operates under the Ferguson Center Student Union General Reservation Guidelines and is coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students. External guests of the University can also reserve space. Grounds use permit applications require 10 working days’ notice.
Crimson Promenade
Academic Buildings
Use of this area – from the Homecoming Queen garden at the top of the Ferguson Center Plaza steps to the 175th Anniversary Commemorative Gate – falls to the discretion of its own usage guidelines and is coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students.
Use of these buildings is under the discretion of the respective Dean. Student organizations associated with the department for which the building is used may request to use the building for meetings or other programs. Student organizations not affiliated with an academic department may request a building if no suitable space is available in the Ferguson Center, the event coincides with the educational purpose of the University and it has no conflicts with other academic events.
Intercollegiate Athletic Facilities This area includes Bryant-Denny Stadium, Coleman Coliseum, Sewell-Thomas Stadium, the Sam Bailey Track and Field, the varsity tennis courts, the softball complex, the golf team facilities, the soccer stadium and athletic indoor and outdoor practice fields and training facilities. Requests to use these facilities should be made through the athletic department.
Recreation Facilities Requests to use these facilities, which include the Student Recreation Center and outdoor pool, Aquatic Complex, tennis courts and intramural fields, should be made through the Department of University Recreation.
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HOROSCOPES
Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday (02/23/15). Take charge of your career this year. Grow your professional influence and pay rate. Take advantage of profitable opportunities. Nurture friendships and networks. You can realize a personal dream after 3/20. Take extra care with numbers and administrative tasks after 4/4. Creative (and romantic) collaboration flourishes after 10/13. Do it all for love and passion. To get the advantage, check the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -Work hard and make lots of money for the next two days. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a good time to travel. Stick to your budget. Keep your head down and get a lot done. Quiet productivity takes extra ground. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Turn down social invitations until after your workâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complete. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting more sensitive, as you enter a two-day confident phase. Keep it simple. Chop wood and carry water. Call in reinforcements if necessary. Rest and recuperate. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming due. Complete preparations with focus and careful thought. Stand your ground. Avoid unusual expense. Consider your path, and review the directions to make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on target. File records safely. Enjoy peace and quiet.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Friends help out now. Say â&#x20AC;&#x153;pleaseâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;?. Otherwise, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time to keep your mouth shut. Make sure your messages get through. Choose your words carefully, or wait to deliver them. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -Focus on career today and tomorrow. An unexpected expense could require extra work to pay back. Avoid gossip and chatter, and keep your energy focused on providing valuable service. Study for the test. Aim for high grades. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Should you go or should you stay? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the question today and tomorrow. Establish clear communications. Rebellions could flare up. Messages can get lost in translation. Let your adventurous spirit win over procrastination and boring routine. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -For the next two days, track calls, orders, and income carefully. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make expensive promises. Cut entertainment spending. Prepare to negotiate carefully. Avoid distractions, and let work take precedence. Wheeling and dealing may be required. Stakes are high. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Work could interrupt some fun. Share the load today and tomorrow, but hold onto the responsibility. Listen to anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complaints,
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and direct them towards solutions. Discipline is required. Support your partner and they support you. Postpone travel. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get distracted with arguments or controversy, or you may end up working late. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a good time to gamble. Postpone an outing or conversation. Delve into the details. Focus on your work today and tomorrow. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Generate creative and unusual ideas, although words could fail you. Sketch what you mean. Confusion or blocked transmission garbles the message. Finish work early today and tomorrow, and then go play. Keep it simple and inexpensive. Enjoy the sunset. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Stick close to home for the next two days. Find out what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing the hard way. An irritant at home demands attention. Make repairs and upgrade your systems. Talk is cheap. Put your back into your project. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re especially clever and creative today and tomorrow. Nonetheless, misunderstanding and communications breakdowns could slow things. Hold off on signing contracts or agreements. Avoid jealousies or hurt feelings. Do your homework. Research and study.
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