ASMSU Passes Bill To Look Into Hate Speech

Students want university to define hateful speech

From the Detroit Free Press

The Michigan State University Student Assembly voted Thursday to ask the administration to define the difference between free speech and hate speech.

The issue is expected to be discussed today when the university’s Board of Trustees meets.

MSU President Lou Anna Simon has been adamant that free speech is "at the heart of academic freedom."

At issue is a string of speakers hosted by MSU’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, which critics have called anti-Semitic and racist. The MSU chapter has been listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks what SPLC see as extremist activity.

YAF members say there is nothing wrong with the choice of speakers – the head of a civilian group of volunteers who patrol the U.S-Mexican border among them - but some of their appearances have triggered protests and a few arrests.

YAF Chairman Kyle Bristow said the bill that passed Thursday was much weaker than what had originally been proposed. Bristow said the impact of the bill would depend on how it is implemented.

Student Assembly Chairman Michael Leahy said the university must take a stand on the issue.

“We really do need Michigan State to define the standard if they do have a standard,” he said.