Black pages & free speech

[Charles F. Bearden]

On Fri, 9 Feb 1996 18:23:04 -0800  Robert Wagers wrote:

>	Does it imply that the library staff agrees with a certain 
>opinion (accepts the telecommunications act's stipulations on Internet 
>access) if you leave it alone?  You can't have it both ways.  By the way, 
>doesn't the library/college's web page reflect the opinions of the entire 
>campus community?  If you leave it alone or turn it black, are you sure 
>you're reflecting all their points of view.  Sorry there is no neutral 
>position in this, as much as you wish one!
>
>R. Wagers 

Changing the appearance of an institution's webpage to express a view that is not the official position of that institution strikes me as being about as appropriate as the use of institutional letterhead in a mass mailing to represent a personal view as the official institutional position when it is not.  If the library or college decides in the legitimate manner to change its webpage in protest, that's great. If it doesn't, then let it be so.  Or aren't institutions also entitled to free speech?  And doesn't free speech include the right to be wrong (even about the telecom bill)?

>     Also, "no gesture" IS a political statement!

>r wagers

Quite true.  But if this statement entails that an institution not turning its pages black must mean that the institution affirms the telecom bill, then the statement seems to me radically to oversimplify the ethical complexity of speaking on behalf of a diverse group with contradictory opinions.  Under such circumstances, 'no statement' can have a myriad of very political meanings, including 'polarized gridlock,' 'total apathy,' or even 'the majority (who oppose the bill) were not able to impose their opinion on the minority (who support the bill) by speaking on behalf of the whole institution.'  

Please note that I am not speaking in support of the Exon ammendment to the telecom bill.  Please change your mailer to make the background of my message black and the text a lighter color.  Note also the disclaimer in the signature.

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Chuck Bearden			email: cbearden at hpl.lib.tx.us
Catalog Department		voice: 713/247-3499
Houston Public Library		fax:   713/247-3158
500 McKinney Ave.
Houston, TX  77002		*NOT SPEAKING FOR HPL*
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