Whitman College is an esteemed institution that values the diverse, self-driven and collaborative education of its students. Because of this, they encourage their students to engage in freedom of speech— but only if it’s hidden from the public eye.

Initially, it was just the constraint of this freedom of expression to the tennis court fencing, however, admin realized this wouldn’t do because the activism was a massive inconvenience to the aesthetic postcard photos of campus. Whitman prides itself on the beauty of its amenities, and this constitutional eyesore would not be tolerated.

Because of this, at the start of the new semester, it was announced that the tennis courts would no longer be an appropriate place for free speech. In an effort to avoid lawsuits, the administration realized they also needed an alternative place for students to take out their various grievances with the school and country. The backside of Douglas Hall was announced just this morning as the new area for free speech. This way, the admin argued, students could still have a place to be “politically active” and “woke,” but no one would have to see it unless they really want to— like, really, really want to.

An added benefit to this is that it’s a lot harder for people to find out about certain issues on campus. Ignorance is bliss for the prospective student!

Students from around campus have expressed complete support for this change.

“I really feel like my voice is valued! Having a space that no one will see to share my views is incredibly important to me!” one student we talked to said.

Overall, not much will really change. Between busy class schedules and the declining literacy rates, no one is reading those signs anyway. Free speech is important! Just make sure to consider how it affects your image!