An Econoclectic Perspective
Hamilton is now having the first contested election for alumni trustees in 30+ years. How has Hamilton responded? By limiting the speech of its own alumni candidates.... www.hcagr.modblog.com
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Hamilton’s commitment to free speech, to the free & open exchange of ideas is what it professes to hold dearest:
“Hamilton, like any institution committed to the free exchange of ideas, invites to its campus people of diverse opinions, often controversial. The opportunity to encounter and respond to people from outside the college community in their intensity and their immediacy is among the key attributes of a liberal education…
We expect that many of those who strongly disagree with Mr. Churchill's comments will attend his talk and make their views known. This is the process of both academic freedom and freedom of speech.”
source: College Issues Statement Concerning Churchill Visit
http://www.hamilton..../display....lay.cfm?
ID=8991
But with regard to the upcoming election of Alumni Trustees there is evidently a compelling need to limit what candidates can say and their manner of communication. Freedom of speech, it seems, only goes so far when it comes to elections run by Hamilton and the Alumni Council.
Candidates for Alumni Trustee "may not include any contact information or references to specific hard copy or online resource material..." in their statements of candidacy.
"Candidates and their supporters are urged not to use email for campaign purposes."
source:
Hamilton College Alumni Association
2005 Alumni Trustee Election Procedures
June 17, 2005
The rules of the election are posted on www.hcagr.modblog.com. See for yourself. We thought we'd tell you because Hamilton College prohibits the mention of our website by alumni-candidates in their statements of candidacy.
hb
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education weighs in.
http://www.thefire.o...ndex.php/...php/torch/
#6001
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