‘Free Speech Zone’ at CBC to be Challenged by Political Groups

Next Tuesday, April 16, a group from the Benton County Libertarian Party and members of Young Americans for Liberty will hold a rally at Columbia Basin College in Pasco to protest what they say are policies limiting free (public) speech.

The rally will be 10am to noon, at the designated "Free Speech Zone" on the campus. It's located on a small concrete area that is located some distance from where most students and others travel.

According to members of the party, CBC policies restrict even Constitutionally-protected free speech without cause since the school is a public entity (versus a private college or university, which can have different policies regarding public speech).  Protestors plan to take other steps as well to oppose the CBC's rules.

Many colleges and universities have such policies in place and restrict free speech to certain areas to prevent "free-for-alls," riots or disturbances like what routinely happen at Portland State University Oregon and other schools.

CBC allows groups to speak and rally in the designated area, but they must register with campus security at least 24 hours prior to the event, and provide information as to what they are going to do and why.

Young Americans for Liberty are a collegiate, higher education group of chapters at various schools across the country, who work to further Libertarian political policies. According to their website, there have official chapters at WSU, CWU, EWU, and WWU, but not at CBC.

In case you're not familiar with the party, or are not sure of their stance, here's a definition (simple one) of what the Libertarian Party foundation is:

Libertarianism is the view that each person has the right to live his life in any way he chooses so long as he respects the equal rights of others. Libertarians defend each person's right to life, liberty, and property-rights that people have naturally, before governments are created.

For more information on this rally, click on the button below.