blumoo
Posts: 3202
Joined: 7/30/2005
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Here is the current policy regarding political discussions on the EBSQ Forum.
Let’s use a university campus as an analogy. Students are allowed to express views, opinions and support causes on campus however, they can't just do it where ever they wish. There are areas where such activities are not allowed. Additionally, the university has the right and the power to stop or deny such activities if they are deemed to be too disruptive to the campus or infringe too much on the rights and believes of other students.
If a take back the night event to heighten awareness of domestic violence wants the quad, as long as it doesn't impede the progress of people getting from one place to another, that's cool. If rally is to be held that for a controversial position or group, it will be allowed because of free speech issues but because of it’s possible incendiary nature it sure as heck won't be held on the steps of the student union. Things that are too controversial, could get out of hand or do get out of hand, then they are shut down or simply not allowed.
So, anything political - and I mean anything, goes in current events. That means articles, cartoons, youtube videos, the tongue in cheek, serious, relevant, obscure or anything else. We will check the posts twice a day. If we feel things are getting out of hand we will say something. If we get enough complaints or a single valid one, we will take action. This does not mean that we will shut something down just because someone complains about another's opinion or personality. We will not put an end to something because someone doesn't like someone's opinion. Someone irritating someone else won’t be a call to action either so don’t worry about being unfairly treated because someone doesn’t like what you said.
There will be no posting of material that is nothing but a smear or unfair and biased opinion. There will be no personal attacks of any kind on anyone. This includes saying things like "conservatives are..." or "democrats are..." as when you make sweeping generalizations, you are going to include members of this community.
If things get too heated, appropriate action will be taken.
We are willing to provide a political forum as this is a very important election year and it is important to many people that they can discuss the events and issues that come with such an environment. However - not everyone feels this way. Some desire nothing more than to avoid political discussions and the emotions that they generate - that is why there will be NOTHING political anywhere but current events.
Please note, there are still many, many months before the presidential election and while we do not want to censor speech, if political discussions become too heated too often, if monitoring political discussions becomes too time consuming, we may ask that they end all together. The well being of this community as a whole is more important than any one topic of discussion. If the atmosphere on the board becomes too toxic or administration is neglecting too many other important activities necessary to the running of EBSQ because we are dealing with the political discussions and their fall-out, they will have to end.
I hope that everyone will respect these guidelines and can understand why they are being put in place. If you are wondering just what can really go wrong, ask someone who was here four years ago.
-Melissa
Additiion - Please mark political threads as such. Not all current events are political.
< Message edited by blumoo -- 3/2/2008 4:44:50 PM >
_____________________________
melissa morton
associate director, EBSQ
I believe that everyone else my age is an adult whereas I am merely in disguise. - Margaret Atwood
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POLITICAL Discussion Guidelines - 
RE: POLITICAL Discussion Guidelines - 
RE: POLITICAL Discussion Guidelines - 
) that the typed word is taken differently than the spoken word. i'm glad that my ignorant (it is ignorant because i forgot about the subscription issue) post has inspired you to write this post. i see things clearly 
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