Dixie State U. Bans use of Greek Alphabet for Name of School Club
This is amazing news. Who knew a college could ban the use of an entire alphabet?
The FIRE reports.
Dixie State University Bans an Alphabet, Tells Women They Can’t Use Greek Letters in Club Name
ST. GEORGE, Utah, October 30, 2013—Nineteen female Dixie State University students are being forced to fight their own school for the right to use Greek letters in the name of their organization. Indigo Klabanoff and the members of Phi Beta Pi have repeatedly been denied official recognition because administrators feel that the use of Greek letters in an organization name will give Dixie State a “party school” image.
“I’ve seen a lot of campus censorship in my time, but telling students their club can’t be recognized solely because they wish to use letters from a particular alphabet is a new one to me,” said FIRE Senior Vice President Robert Shibley. “I can’t believe I actually have to say this, but as a state university, Dixie State simply does not have the power to ban or regulate the use of the Greek alphabet, the Latin alphabet, or any other system of writing.”
Here’s a video report.
Dixie State University Bans an Alphabet, Tells Women They Can't Use Greek Letters in Club Name (The FIRE)
Comments
Misinterpretation of the first amendment.
The students have every right to peaceably assemble and call themselves the Shit heads if they want to. The school cannot and will not stop them on that unless they break laws.
On the other hand, the school has chosen not to recognize their organization if they choose a name the school doesn’t like. The school actually does have the right to do that. It is under their purview and jurisdiction as the officials in charge and it is not a violation of freedom of speech or assembly.
The schools does not want to open the door to sponsored “Greek life” on campus and we all know what kind of lifestyle I am talking about and they are worried about. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars in my opinion. If you want to pay dues for a private organization that’s your choice. But getting school sponsorship is not a free endeavor. Enforcement of conduct, liability, suitable buildings, and administrators that oversee all of these new responsibilities will cost money.