MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999

CSULB attacks hate speech

By Trond M Vagen

On-Line Forty-Niner

Cal State Long Beach may implement plans to curb hate speech without infringing upon the First Amendment rights of students, said Craig Smith, CSULB communication studies professor.

The rules would allow cases of hate speech to be handled as harassment cases to avoid clashing with U.S. Supreme Court decisions. All attempts to limit freedom of expression by universities and local governments, including hate speech, have not fared well in the Supreme Court, Smith said.

"This plan could be implemented right away," said Smith, who is also the director of the Center for First Amendment Studies at CSULB. "But that is something the Academic Senate would have to rule on."

The courts have been more lenient with their sexual harassment rulings, allowing a higher level of censorship, Smith said. Workplace harassment receives less First Amendment protection than hate speech, and by treating hate speech as harassment, CSULB would be able to set down guidelines that would comply with recent harassment case law, he said.

The plan would include documenting "sustained patterns of hate speech that create a hostile environment," and prosecuting the violators as harassment cases, Smith said..

President Robert Maxson was enthusiastic about the proposal, but said one would have to be careful not to be too broad when implementing plans.

Smith spoke to about 70 colleagues at the monthly Faculty Supper Club, an event dating back to 1993. Held at the Miller House, the residence of CSULB's president, the event was initiated in order to allow faculty members "to meet colleagues and improve the camaraderie over a meal," said Sharon Olson, director of University Academic Projects.