The development of a more unified student voice at FIU is a necessity. Yet, with the recent arrest of seven attendants at the Occupy FIU Art and Music Festival, we must question the methods in which the movement chose to be heard.
The Beacon, an organization that prides itself on exercising the first amendment to the fullest extent, respects a student’s right to free speech, but there is a right way and a wrong way to exercise that right.
For a movement that has already worked the red tape of legalese of protest, the way the festival was handled was amateur at best.
As students, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are abiding by all rules and regulations, to be aware of where we are free to voice our opinions and what measures are needed to successfully get that message across.
The members of Occupy FIU were arrested because they did not observe the necessary channels to have an event at the Deuxième Maison pit.
While they claimed to have spoken to and received permission from the University Ombudsman Larry Lunsford, none of the members interviewed could recall him by name. According to Lunsford, no permission–written or verbal–was given.
If verbal agreements are not valid in a formal business setting, a University setting is no different. Before action is taken at any location on either campus, the necessary steps to guarantee permission need to be taken.
The members were unable to provide written documentation that they were permitted to have an event at DM. The DM pit is not a free speech zone, therefore event permits are required. Although Occupy FIU held a teach-in at the pit last semester, the advertisement for this festival anticipated and ultimately attracted a large police presence.
We acknowledge that the designated free speech zones are not clearly marked and based on the Graham Center’s website, The Beacon discovered that the information regarding free speech zones is not disclosed.
However, this is not an excuse to push the limits as to what is and isn’t lawful assembly.
Although it is no excuse for a public institution the size of the University to not have its affairs in order in terms of student activism, it is the responsibility of the activist to educate himself on how to properly, and most effectively step up to the soap box.
In the University’s part, it is their job to be ready with options for students whenever they feel that they need to exercise their rights.
We understand that FIU is still a young university that lacks a lengthy history of campus activism. It is learning how to react to a new generation of students who are witnessing a unique social movement in other cities and university campuses that does not seem to be stopping anytime soon.
We all need to get use to the soapbox. But let’s make sure it’s okay to stand on it first.
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