225BatonRouge.com

BATON ROUGE – The following is a statement from LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe.

This is to reiterate the LSU position on the purple-and-gold Confederate flag. The most recent contribution to this important debate is contained in the July 31, 2006, edition of 225 magazine, in which an LSU student was interviewed concerning the matter.

LSU does not and will not condone the display of the purple-and-gold Confederate flag. Some members of the university community consider this a symbol of hate, bias, intolerance and bigotry, while others view it as a symbol of Southern heritage. LSU, and the First Amendment, support the right of both groups to express their views. However, the university discourages the display of this symbol, and, indeed, the use of the university colors should not imply endorsement or affiliation.

Some would like the university to “ban” the flag, but such an action would also violate a fundamental, constitutional First Amendment right of free expression. This law allows people to wave a purple-and-gold Confederate flag, but also allows others to protest that flag. As such, the university will not adopt an unenforceable policy to inhibit these rights, but will endeavor to encourage greater awareness of the offense it brings to members of our community. The university has actively discouraged the sale of the flag by commercial establishments and is seeking options to prohibit the use of the university colors in this manner.

The university seeks to encourage an open debate among students and members of the university community to foster continued intellectual discussion. Rather than impose one opinion on everyone, the university is a venue to encourage students, faculty, staff and community members to discuss this issue openly and honestly. Public discourse is the road to education, enlightenment and tolerance. To encourage that debate, LSU will sponsor a symposium this September to examine this issue and other related topics. Broad participation will be encouraged and welcomed.

LSU also has a responsibility for public safety and order. Campus demonstrations, like all other campus events, must be registered with the university through the Office of Student Life & Academic Services. All student groups must submit the event registration application. Non-student groups also must complete a similar registration process. Any event, rally, demonstration or protest that is not registered will not be permitted on campus. This policy is in place for the safety of all LSU students, faculty and staff. All student, and non-student, groups will be expected to follow LSU policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all. Those organizing and registering such events are reminded of the “peaceful assembly” policy and the Student Code of Conduct. These polices raise the prospect of constructive dialogue and civility. Adherence to these policies will contribute to a more meaningful and progressive debate to illuminate all points of view.

Note: To read the 225 story that prompted this response click here.