Both liberals and conservatives who value free speech have criticized the move by the police on Missouri’s flagship campus.
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As tensions at the University of Missouri continue to rage, the college’s police department has sent a new email to students advising them to call the police if they witness any incidents of “hurtful speech”.
Call the police immediately at 573-882-7201.
While hate speech is not a crime punishable by law, the report says that if the person issuing hateful speech is a student, the report can be filed to the MU Student Conduct Office so punitive action can be taken on an academic level.
Give the communications operator a summary of the incident, including location.
Provide license plate and vehicle descriptions, if appropriate. MUPD told witnesses to take photos of people who are involved, if it can be done safely.
The email also requested that victims of hurtful speech should delay posting information on social media because it can “reduce” the chances of identifying the individual responsible.
“It’s important to note that hateful speech is not a crime”, Weimer said. But social media is already abuzz with people wondering what, exactly, constitutes “hurtful” speech, and columnists have begun penning their opposition to the idea, saying it would discourage free speech and debate.
I called the department for clarification on the policy; a spokesperson assured me that students who were reported to the authorities for hurtful speech could not be arrested, but an officer would nevertheless be dispatched to take stock of the situation.
The email comes one day after Mizzou president Tim Wolfe, along with chancellor of the campus R. Bowen Loftin, announced they were stepping down from their positions in response to several weeks of heated protests.
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“I mean I’m glad we have this option”, said MU student Hannah Dismer.
