Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has temporarily closed its popular display board, The Fence, after a recent message protesting President Trump was posted. The decision comes despite the university’s history of supporting free speech and peaceful protest.
The Fence has been a staple for students to express their views on campus, with messages ranging from promoting student organizations to commenting on current events. However, CMU President Farnam Jahanian took action after a message was painted during the AI and energy summit that equated Trump to “rapists”.
Jahanian stated in a letter to students that the university is looking at how to move forward after this incident, which he described as a departure from meaningful dialogue. However, CMU has long championed free speech and has previously encouraged students to express their views.
Students and campus groups are divided on the decision. Anthony Cacciato, a senior and member of the College Republicans, believes that censoring the message was uncharacteristic of the university’s stance on free speech. He argues that students had the right to express their opinion, even if he disagrees with it.
River Sepinuck, a junior and communications chair of the College Democrats, expressed disappointment at the university’s response. He felt that CMU leadership spoke down to his group during a meeting about The Fence, which they believe has led to a chilling effect on students’ willingness to express their views.
The decision comes as CMU seeks to reaffirm the purpose of The Fence, but no timeline has been set for when messages may resume.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/carnegie-mellon-university-the-fence-closed-trump