Speech Codes

In class, we discussed speech codes in the context of both high school and college.  Several speech codes are argued to to be unconstiutional as they violate the freedom of speech. Conversely, offensive speech such as fighting words in may not be protected speech by the government. At Auburn University, individuals in fraternities dressed very offensively at party. For example, white students dressed up as members of the KKK, painted their faces black, while being 'hung'. While at the time of the party, members may not have known what they were getting themselves into, they still are at fault. They have absolutely no right to promote this type of behavior in both the school enviorment and the real world. These pictures of the students were out of line and this type of behavior is not protected by the 1st amendment. This behavior causes distress and incites violence as it it directly offensive to blacks. Therefore, their actions are parallel to what fighting words represent. These are not protected by the government. The University took appropriate measures because they withdrew their recognition of the fraternities involved. They launched a full investigation of the harrasment and discrimination policies because these pictures are ubsurd. The pictures and the party in general should not be taken lightly. It is clear that it is being investigated seriously from Auburn and the world in general. I believe this is important because by not punishing the students, Auburn is practically condoning the behavior. Since they are taking measures, the investigation can be applied to more cases in the world. The debate of resrictions on speech is prevalant, but there is no doubt that disciplinary actions must be taken to the students involved.