2008 Woodie Awards
SGA provides soapbox
Amy Stinnett
Issue date: 9/23/04 Section: News
From school issues to political issues, this fall SGA will give students the chance to vent their frustrations or sing the praises of any issue they choose.
"This event will be an opportunity for UTC students to voice their opinions on any issue they want," James Hobbs, SGA social issues chair, said. "If a student wanted to complain or express their content with a certain university policy or a government policy they can."
The SGA's issues committee plans to begin these open forums soon.
"We are looking at having the first day of this sometime in October, and hopefully this will become a regular event if students want to participate and enjoy it," Hobbs said.
These forums will take place on Cardiac Hill in what will be known as the Free Speech Zone. Students will be given an unlimited amount of time to voice their opinions.
"The Social Issues Committee of SGA felt that this would be an excellent way for students to express themselves in an open forum," Hobbs said.
According to the Political Science Department Head, Dr. Fouad Moughrabi, an event like the Free Speech Zone is a good thing as long as students express their opinions in a civil and rational manner.
To follow the democratic process of free speech and the right to debate, mutual respect will be key to the success of this event, he said.
"Political debate is the essence of a democratic society," Dr. Moughrabi said.
By allowing all opinions to be heard, students will be able to learn many things about their classmates and from their classmates at UTC, he said.
"This kind of forum allows students to gain knowledge about what issues are important to their fellow students since we may not all have the same concerns," Political science professor Dr. Sharon Hill said. "It provides for a diversity of opinions and beliefs. This is part of understanding each other," she said.
This event allows students to become part of the political process by debating issues that they feel are important and allows students to learn how to speak up for what they believe, she said.
"We are teaching students to become key players in the political process. We want them to be active participants and not just consumers of information," Dr. Hill said.
The date of the first Free Speech Zone will be announced when plans are finalized.
"This event will be an opportunity for UTC students to voice their opinions on any issue they want," James Hobbs, SGA social issues chair, said. "If a student wanted to complain or express their content with a certain university policy or a government policy they can."
The SGA's issues committee plans to begin these open forums soon.
"We are looking at having the first day of this sometime in October, and hopefully this will become a regular event if students want to participate and enjoy it," Hobbs said.
These forums will take place on Cardiac Hill in what will be known as the Free Speech Zone. Students will be given an unlimited amount of time to voice their opinions.
"The Social Issues Committee of SGA felt that this would be an excellent way for students to express themselves in an open forum," Hobbs said.
According to the Political Science Department Head, Dr. Fouad Moughrabi, an event like the Free Speech Zone is a good thing as long as students express their opinions in a civil and rational manner.
To follow the democratic process of free speech and the right to debate, mutual respect will be key to the success of this event, he said.
"Political debate is the essence of a democratic society," Dr. Moughrabi said.
By allowing all opinions to be heard, students will be able to learn many things about their classmates and from their classmates at UTC, he said.
"This kind of forum allows students to gain knowledge about what issues are important to their fellow students since we may not all have the same concerns," Political science professor Dr. Sharon Hill said. "It provides for a diversity of opinions and beliefs. This is part of understanding each other," she said.
This event allows students to become part of the political process by debating issues that they feel are important and allows students to learn how to speak up for what they believe, she said.
"We are teaching students to become key players in the political process. We want them to be active participants and not just consumers of information," Dr. Hill said.
The date of the first Free Speech Zone will be announced when plans are finalized.
