University places restrictions on media law class debate
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church will go head-to-head against the founder of the Satanic Temple of Detroit in a class discussion April 24 at Central Michigan University.
The discussion will be hosted by Timothy Boudreau, journalism department chair and instructor of JRN 404: Law of Mass Communication. The presentation is designed to demonstrate First Amendment issues and the freedom of speech.
"I think (Westboro Baptist and Satanic Temple) test the limits of the First Amendment on a regular basis," Boudreau said. "And, by and large, their speech is protected. This is a way for students to see how far the First Amendment goes in terms of protecting speech. It's a memorable way to bring our textbook concepts to life."
While the debate is closed to only allow students of the media law class, the debate has recently been closed off from members of the media as well by CMU officials. These restrictions came after Boudreau met with six university officials, including College of Communication and Fine Arts Dean Janet Hethorn, Provost Michael Gealt and Vice President and General Counsel Manuel Rupe.
"I appreciate yesterday's conversation as we worked through the details of your upcoming class session with invited guests fringe Westboro Baptist Church and Satanic Temple of Detroit," Hethorn said in an email regarding the restrictions. "It was very clear CMU is committed to the safety of students, employees and guests, as well as to faculty academic freedom and to advancing educational objectives."
Hethorn provided an emailed summary of restrictions to Boudreau on April 12, as follows:
- The discussion will take place during the class's normally scheduled time, from 2-3:15 p.m. April 24 in Moore Hall room 105.
- Only students enrolled in the JRN 404 will be allowed to enter the classroom. CCFA Interim Associate Dean Andrew Spencer will check students in by their student ID to ensure no uninvited guests are allowed in.
- There will be no video or audio recordings during the discussion.
- No media will attend or be present at the classroom discussion.
- CMU police will have have the final say regarding all the safety issues surrounding the classroom event.
While the email stated that Boudreau may allow media attendance if "in accordance with CMU policies," Rupe did not specify what these policies were when asked by Central Michigan Life.
Hethorn, Spencer and Senior Vice Provost Ray Christie did not respond to a request for comment.
This is not the first time members of the Westboro Baptist Church have spoken at CMU. Boudreau invited them to his class in 2010 and 2012 to demonstrate similar freedom of speech issues. While these discussions were only open to students of his classes, media coverage has been allowed for the debates in past years.
While university officials cited CMU policies for the reasoning behind restrictions on media coverage, Rupe did not respond when asked why those same media restrictions were not placed on the previous years' Westboro appearances.
Boudreau said he has never before been restricted by the university when he has invited guest speakers.
"I think they could use far less restrictive measure to ensure the safety of campus and our students," he said. "I’m not sure how barring the media directly advances their stated interest. I do believe they’re concerned about student safety, and they should take steps to ensure that, but I don’t think these are the steps. I think they’re going too far."
