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Wednesday,
February 11, 2004 |
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Brite
e-mail chills student free speech
Administrators
reluctant to settle speculation
So
much for free comment or criticism. Obviously, that sort
of freedom might be dangerous to Brite Divinity School.
An e-mail sent by a Brite administrator threatening to
take disciplinary action against students who comment
on possible allegations against faculty members squelches
academic expression and free speech rights.
The warning came days after revelations of a regional
church investigation of alleged sexual misconduct by Brite’s
director of field education, according to court affidavits
from Christian Church officials. Stephen Sprinkle has
said that he was barred from interviewing ministerial
candidates because of his homosexuality.
Bryan Feille, Brite’s associate dean for student
affairs, told the Skiff that the e-mail was intended to
stop innuendo and rumors from spreading.
Brite has said little about the alleged investigation.
The irony is that such silence is what’s allowing
these rumors to flourish. The lack of credible information
has created an information vacuum, which has been filled
by gossip. Speculation is a natural consequence.
But what’s most unjust is that this warning tramples
the idea of free speech.
What is Brite afraid of its students saying? The school
says it is not currently investigating any complaints.
Then why the fuss about rumors of an investigation that
doesn’t exist?
And what if students legitimately know something? Don’t
they have the right to speak out?
Of course they do.
Brite does indeed have a responsibility to protect anyone
who makes an accusation or is accused. But not by silencing
free speech. |
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