Freedom of Political Speech on Public Campuses

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Open Letter to the Dean of MCC:
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It has come to my attention that there is some controversy regarding the collection of signatures by a minor party candidate on your campus. I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the importance of protecting free political speech in public places.

As a taxpayer and a state university student, I would strongly urge you to protect the very important and basic civil liberty of free speech in public spaces.

It would seem on the surface that this political activity is only deemed "controversial" because of it's standing outside of the mainstream. One wonders if the response would have been the same if the candidate were of a different political persuasion; for instance, from the Green or the Libertarian Party. I would remind you that freedom of political speech is at the core of our nation's founding, is prominently built into our constitution, and is a basic tenant of a democratic society; a society which is itself a result of free speech that was "not in the mainstream" during it's day.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Todd Vachon


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The Background:
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Complaints regarding the politics of the Socialist Action campaign to elect Chris Hutchinson to U.S. Congress have led administrators at Manchester Community College to require campaign volunteers on the MCC campus to sit behind a table while collecting signatures to put their candidate on the November ballot. Volunteers - including an MCC student - have been told that if they approach a person on campus to ask for a signature they will face arrest, making signature collection next to impossible.

We believe this represents a threat to free speech on all Connecticut campuses and to the ability of third party candidates to obtain ballot status. We strongly urge supporters of free speech to contact the campus administrators below to express support for these rights on MCC's campus.

The first complaint against Socialist Action was lodged by a member of the Young Republicans who boasted about his ability to help kick socialists off the campus on his blog. His post ends with, "We already have one Socialist in office we don't need more, and with the help of The Greater Manchester Young Republicans we prevented another one today." His blog post can be seen here: http://gmyr.blogspot.com/

After this incident we were told we had to check in with the office of Student Affairs before collecting signatures. We did so on June 16th without any problems.

On Wednesday June 23rd, while two campaign activists (including an MCC student) collected signatures on campus (after having obtained permission to do so) a complaint was made "against disturbing literature being pushed on persons" (quoting from the police report) alongside two anonymous complaints which made no specific allegations other than that the volunteers were members of the "Communist Party."

In response the campus police told the two volunteers that they were required to remain at their seats at the table, and that if they approached people for signatures they would face arrest. Two police officers were then stationed about 30 feet from either side of the table.

We met with the Dean of Student Affairs and the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs on the afternoon of Wednesday June 30th to defend our right to political speech. They have said they need to talk more with other Administrators, faculty and staff before making a decision on the right to petition or distribute literature on campus, and will contact us by Tuesday, July 5th.

This is a critical moment for defenders of free speech to express their opinion to the MCC administration.

Today the space for open political debate, discussion and organizing is extremely narrow. The arduous but elementary task of collecting signatures to put new candidates and parties on the ballot requires the ability to approach people for signatures - especially in spaces where many people congregate. Most of these spaces are now privately owned. But Manchester Community is a public college funded by tax dollars and student tuition. It is an institution of education where open debate, discussion, and organizing should not simply be defended, but encouraged. Political speech and activity will always be controversial. Simple differences of opinion cannot justify curtailing the right to express political opinions or to seek out like-minded individuals.

Please call and/or e-mail the Dean of Student Affairs and the Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs to express your support for the right to collect signatures and distribute political literature on Manchester Community College's campus. Please be polite and courteous, but firm. The administrators can be reached here:

Duncan Harris, Dean of Student Affairs
(860) 512-3202
GHarris@mcc.commnet.edu

Umesh Vig, Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs
(860) 512-3204
UVig@mcc.commnet.edu

Feel free to contact us for more information at 860-986-9750 or votesocialistaction@gmail.com

Text from the "disturbing literature" can be read here:
http://votesocialistaction.org/about-the-campaign/
http://votesocialistaction.org/demands/

SPCT News-June 2010

Socialist Party of Connecticut News: June 2010

News:

Socialists March Against SB1070: On May 25, members of the Socialist Party USA joined the mass demonstration protesting the racist law SB 1070 in Phoenix, Arizona….
Read More: http://www.socialistwebzine.org/2010/06/socialists-march-against-sb1070.html

SPUSA Co-Chairs Condemn Israeli Attack on Humanitarian Aid Boat: As co-chairs of the Socialist Party USA we condemn the attack by the Israeli Defense Forces on the unarmed humanitarian aid boat The Spirit of Humanity…
Read More: http://www.socialistwebzine.org/2010/06/socialist-chairs-respond-to-israeli.html

Solidarity with Greece: The Socialist Party USA resolutely supports the workers and students protesting against the IMF/European Union imposed austerity package…
Read More: http://socialistparty-usa.org/statements/greeksolidarity510.html


Calendar of Events:

Friday June 4th
*7pm: How Can We Save Public Education? Panel Discussion
La Paloma Sabanera Coffee Shop 405 Capitol Ave, Hartford

Saturday June 5th:
*June Membership Meeting- CHANGED to teleconference
For Info Contact: spcentralct@gmail.com

Monday June 14th:
*6pm: “Why Are We In Afghanistan” Free Film and Discussion at New Haven Free Public
Library, community room. Temple & Elm Sts, New Haven, CT. Refreshments will be served
More Info: http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2009/zweig121209.html
Contact: grnhpeacecouncil@gmail.com

June 22-26th:
*U.S. Social Forum. Detroit, MI Info: www.ussf2010.org

Saturday July 17th:
*SPCT Statewide Convention- nominations and elections for state and local executive committee. Details to follow, Info: spcentralct@gmail.com

Saturday August 14-15th:
*SPUSA National Organizing Conference- Neighborhood House Community Center
29 S. Mills St. Madison, WI Info: www.socialistparty-usa.org


Our Media Recommendations for the Month:

Video: Why Are We in Afghanistan: http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2009/zweig121209.html

Print:The Working Class Majority: By Michael Zweig http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/cup_detail.taf?ti_id=3369&_userreference=12759215795A1D5E3010F07C3C41751D6B

Audio: There is Power in a Union: By Joe Glazer http://us.dada.net/music/joeglazer/there-is-power-in-a-union_1609134m.html


Our Radical Quote of the Month:

“Capital is dead labor, which, vampire-like, lives only by sucking living labor, and lives the more, the more labor it sucks”. – Karl Marx


Happy Birthday
Stephen and Tristan! Did I forget anyone?


In Solidarity,

Todd Vachon
Statewide Chair
Socialist Party of CT
spcentralct@gmail.com
www.votevachon.com

State Secretary: Dr. James Marra


Ps;
Don’t Forget to join us on Facebook: CT Socialists
And on Myspace at www.socialistpartyct.org

Response to Attack on Humanitarian Aid Flotilla

May 31, 2010

As co-chair’s of the Socialist Party USA we condemn the attack by the Israeli
Defense Forces on the unarmed humanitarian aid boat The Spirit of Humanity.
The boat was carrying desperately needed aid supplies meant to break the
inhuman Israeli blockade of Gaza. The death of at least 10 people, the
injuring of dozens and the arrest of 20 stands as one of the most egregious
attacks on humanitarian workers ever.

We join the activist group Viva Palestina in calling for the immediate release
of those arrested so that they may continue their mission. We join the
international community, including the United Nations Commission on Human
Rights, in calling for an immediate end the blockade of Gaza. Finally, as
Americans, we demand an immediate end to all military aid provided by the US
government to Israel.

Andrea Pason
Co-chair- Socialist Party USA

Bill Wharton
Co-chair- Socialist Party USA

Israel Attacks Gaza Humanitarian Aid Flotilla
May 31, 2010
In an international act of piracy and murder in international waters, the Israeli navy intercepted, boarded, and opened fire on humanitarian activists on a flotilla of ships attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Israeli-blockaded Palestinian Gaza Strip.

According to news reports, Israeli commandos killed as many as 19 humanitarian activists on board one ship, and have abducted all 700 passengers on board the six boats composing the flotilla who are in the process of being sent against their will to Israel for arrest and/or deportation.

The reaction of the Obama Administration to Israel's attack on the humanitarian aid flotilla, which included U.S. citizens, has been tepid. A White House spokesperson stated that he "deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained."

Of course, this statement completely ignores U.S. complicity in arming Israel and enabling its human rights abuses. In July 2008, the United States signed a contract worth $1.9 billion to transfer the latest-generation of naval combat vessels to Israel at U.S. taxpayer expense. Currently, Congress is in the process of appropriating a record $3.2 billion in military aid to Israel this budget year.

Events are moving quickly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apparently canceled his meeting tomorrow at the White House to return to Israel. Later today, the UN Security Council is set to address Israel's attack on the humanitarian flotilla. For the latest news from the flotilla, please click here.

TAKE ACTION

1. Organize an emergency protest against Israel's attack on the humanitarian flotilla. Find events near you and post your event details by clicking here.

2. Contact the U.S. Mission to the United Nations at 212-415-4062 right away and demand that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice vote to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel's action and initiating an investigation.

3. Learn more about the deadly impact of U.S. military aid to Israel and take action to end it by clicking here.