University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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freedoi fcfsBeech the right to solicit on campus Clinton caused 9-11! proclaimed the chalkings on the Diag in the first few weeks of fall. Student, political, and religious groups made use of this medium of expression along with others including handing out flyers and delivering speeches on a daily basis to get important messages across. While some students became numb to the constant solicitations on campus, others believed that there were some extreme and harsh remarks that should have been left unsaid. When prompted about the writers of the Clinton attacks, Brandon Coffeebourden, an LSA freshman, responded, They do have a right to their views, but to say that Clinton overtly caused 9-1 1 is inflammatory and simply horrendous. There were some other engravings that caught people ' s ire, particularly the ones pertaining to University current events. Boo the Coors, a statement promoting the boycotting of Coors beer because of the company ' s support for an anti- aftirmative action lobbyist, covered most of campus at the beginning by dinkar jain of the year. These more specific and time-sensitive statements held contrast to the generalized, often religious, directives. It was almost an every day occurrence to hear somebody speaking of the greatness of the Christian religion from the top of a bench in the Diag. Eric Chung, a junior engineer, commented, As long as they [solicitors] are not attacking us directly, it is fine. [But] I wouldn ' t do it if I were them. It just spoils the campus atmosphere. Although many in the student community did not appreciate being affronted with opinionated messages and Attempting to gain support for his run for the Ann Arbor City Council, Rick Lax disperses flyers 1 at a table on the Diag. Lax. two other University students, and one alumni hoped to add their names to the ballot for the November election using arenas such as this to be seen and heard. I V. Cranala phoul solicitations, it ultimately became; an issue of the First Amendment. Elizabeth Joseph, a senior majoring in Economics and Physics and i member of the Adelia-Cheever 1 Program said, There should at least one medium where yi can write whatever you feel like. ' Another member of the Program, Leher Thadani, a freshman engineer said, They exhibit bias prejudice within their own rights. That is certainly acceptable. 98 Voices

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diverse nature of the student body made the University a forum for debate and the expression of voice. Students attracted political leaders, media, and general attention for their heated opinions and passionate responses to local, national and even international affairs. Protests, solicitations, rallies, and chalkings were among the many methods students, organizations, and outside parties used to spread their word. Whatever the nature of the voice, it came without question that for every opinion there was a counter- opinion. With the great number of students on campus, controversy was inevitable, but that fact was perhaps what made the University so strong. The student body was - not afraid to express themselves and in these moments of expression, the true depth within the University students could be uncovered. fo ' new- wa yti aa inftt fcve Wwtffuecu bfoengJfc. y - University President Mary Sue Coleman - ;;

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5a l Ilk - ' And os if is appointed unto men e to die, but after Hiis toe judgment un up ...NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME JOHN 14:6 lv accep A woman and her three young children hold signs during the religion rally on campus. Religious activist groups visited campus throughout the year to spread their message to students. Y. Granata photo A student chalks a message in the middle of the Diag. Both individuals and organizations used chalkings to get their ideas and opinions out in order to persuade students around campus. V. Granata photo Freedom of Speech 99