The Free Expression Tunnel is a unique element of the N.C. State community. It is one of the few things that stick out from the tour of NCSU when I was a senior in high school. The Free Expression Tunnel is an opportunity for students to express themselves, but it is now apparent certain individuals do not actually understand the idea of freedom of speech. No form of government is allowed to infringe on a citizen’s right of free speech; however, citizens who make speech that is dangerous to others or violates another citizen’s rights is not permitted.
Over the past two years, there have been two instances of abuse in our Free Expression Tunnel that have brought negative national attention to our university. The individuals who have written statements that promote racism and bigotry towards others hurt not only their own moral character, but NCSU’s. It is very unfortunate a select few individuals have damaged the reputation of the whole University with ignorant actions. It is embarrassing and shameful these actions have occurred.
My experience with the Free Expression Tunnel has left me with mixed emotions. Sometimes walking through the Free Expression Tunnel can be informative. Students use the tunnel as a means for spreading information about certain times and dates for events. There are also times when I have been proud to walk through the Free Expression Tunnel. Some students honored Kay Yow by painting in the tunnel and there is always an occasional “support our troops” or painting done for a good cause; however, more times than not, there is “a bunch of garbage” written all over the walls. It is unfortunate there even needs to be a disclaimer that suggests some things found in the tunnel may be offensive. I do not understand why anyone would even want to write anything that would offend others.
I myself have become so sick of reading the nonsense that plagues the Free Expression Tunnel that I avoid going through there if it all possible. I have talked to other students who feel the same way. If you walk through the Free Expression Tunnel it is rare you can do it without actually being offended by something on the walls. It offends me more to know conscious individuals are writing the statements in the tunnel more than the words themselves. Seeing these things on the walls really just makes the tunnel feel dirty.
When making decisions, I like to incorporate rational choice theory. It is time to weigh the positives and negatives of the Free Expression Tunnel. Students need to ask themselves whether we are getting more positive benefits from the Free Expression Tunnel than negative harms and whether the bad publicity being put on the University and our community outweighs the opportunity to make certain ideas known. It is fundamentally important for individuals to be able to express themselves; however, it is also important to make sure we do not hinder others’ rights or express statements that could be potentially dangerous. Limiting free speech can be dangerous, but abusing free speech can be just as dangerous. We have an interesting outlet of expression at NCSU, but if it cannot be used in an appropriate manner, maybe this resource is becoming exhausted.
