Boston University’s president is apologizing for a now-rescinded policy that prohibited displaying pride flags and pro-LGBTQ signs in windows and other publicly visible areas on campus.
In the weeks since spring break ended on March 15, students and staff have been protesting the removal of pride flags and pro-LGBTQ signage, including those posted in individual faculty rooms, in order to comply with the university’s policy against signs that are not “content-neutral.” metro weekly Previously reported.
The university denied identifying symbols of LGBTQ identity.
BU’s freedom of expression policy was revised in September 2024, around the time Melissa Gilliam became president. The university’s signage policy she sought to enforce prohibits “outward-facing” signs, symbols of identity, and political signs, and restricts students, faculty, and staff to posting “signs, posters, and flags” only on “approved bulletin boards” or on the interior walls of private offices.
Under BU’s broad “events and demonstrations” policy (part of which is regulation of signage), students, faculty and staff found in violation will be reported to university officials and human resources and may face disciplinary action.
Opponents of the policy circulated a petition with more than 2,000 signatures protesting the university’s enforcement of the ban on outward facing signage.
“We are temporarily suspending the removal of outward facing signage,” Gilliam said in an email to students and staff Monday. He said he regrets that the implementation of this policy appears to have had a disproportionate impact on signs and symbols related to LGBTQ identities, and that some members of the LGBTQ community may have felt unwelcome.
“During the public discussion of Boston University’s Time, Place, and Manners Policy, I hear that the spotlight has been disproportionately placed on our LGBTQIA+ community, and I deeply regret hearing how difficult and painful it has been,” Gilliam wrote.
He noted the difference between the university’s content neutrality policy and its “core values” and “respect for members of the community,” adding that the two should not be confused.
“[W]“We will continue to engage in dialogue with students, faculty and staff, and we will continue to explore additional ways to support our community,” she continued. And we will create new opportunities to discuss the complex issues raised by this policy and its application. …I look forward to many thoughtful and productive discussions in the future. ”
The Foundation for Individual Rights Expression (FIRE), a free speech advocacy group that has criticized the university’s implementation of the billboard policy, celebrated Gilliam’s announcement as a victory.
“On college campuses, flags often serve as a visible and accessible way for students, faculty and staff to express their identities and beliefs,” FIRE Faculty Legal Defense Fund Fellow Graham Pirro said in a statement. “Whether it’s a Pride flag, a Gadsden flag, or just a Red Sox flag, the various flags that fly in the windows of various offices across BU’s campus are a sign of a vibrant campus community with diverse perspectives. We urge the university to continue to allow faculty and students to express themselves, no matter what flag they fly.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
