In a recent release on Ohio University’s Outlook Web site, OU officials tried to set the record straight on “free speech zones.”

For any student who is confused with the concept of free speech zones, who is protesting them and why, here are the facts, says Rich Carpinelli, associate vice president for student affairs:  

1) “The entire campus is a free speech zone,”

2) there are 22 specific available “spaces” on campus and

3) “If a student organization or university department wants to hold an event on campus, they need to reserve a space in any of the 22 spaces.”

It’s understandable that previously planned events should be scheduled and registered to promote order and prevent double-booking. But when was the last time College Green was double-booked?

In addition, protests are a different sort of event by nature. Having to work within the system you are protesting makes very little sense.

Carpinelli also said that the free speech zones aren’t meant to repress free speech. “University groups and individuals may express themselves as they wish as permitted by the Constitution,” he said.

If the entire campus is a free speech zone, what is the point of the 22 spots?  Are they freer than the other grass plots on College Green? If the university always knows where students will be protesting, when they will be protesting and what they will be protesting about … well, is that free speech at all?

Do everyone a favor, OU, and do away with these “spaces.” Then the campus truly can be a free speech zone.