I used to think free speech zones were fine until I got stuck in one at Ohio State

Back in 2019 I went to Ohio State for a buddy's graduation and wandered into their free speech zone near the Oval. I was just holding a sign about roof safety standards for student workers. Campus security told me I couldn't stand there unless I registered 3 days in advance. I argued for like 10 minutes and they threatened to call the cops. That moment made me realize those zones aren't about protecting anyone, they're just a way to shut you up before you even start. Has anyone else had campus security give you the runaround for something harmless?

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse77322d ago

Dude that's wild, a buddy of mine got booted from a free speech zone just for handing out free pizza.

calebw5022d ago

Wait, wasn't your buddy just trying to give people free food? That's insane if he got thrown out for that. Had a friend do something similar at a campus zone a few years back. He was handing out coupons for a local pizza joint, just trying to be nice and start a conversation. Security rolled up within five minutes, told him he was "creating a disturbance." My friend asked what disturbance, and they said he was "unsanctioned commerce." Two slices of pepperoni and they treat you like a criminal. He argued it wasn't selling, it was giving away, but they didn't care. Just booted him out.