Back to
case page.
jeangoodwin@nwu.edu
Last updated
The Free Speech website, http://faculty-web.at.nwu.edu/commstud/freespeech/
Does grading violate the freedom of speech? |
Is this newsgroup a system of free expression? |
From: jeangoodwin@nwu.edu (Jean Goodwin) Newsgroups: nwu.school.speech.class.comm-studies.c30 Subject: Is this newsgroup a system of free expression? Date: Fri, 14 Feb 1997 09:43:44 -0600 Date: Fri, 14 Feb 1997 09:43:44 -0600 We've now had a series of *very* interesting posts on the relationship of instructorial authority to speech in this newsgroup. The main reason I exercise any authority is to ensure that this newsgroup is a "system of free expression"--a place where students not only have the right to speak, but do in fact speak, and speak well; a place where the values (especially of deliberation and citizenship) can be realized. What is necessary to make this newsgroup such a "system of free expression"? There seem to be at least three things: (1) What we've been looking at so far in class--to be an effective system, citizens have to have some way to be in communication with each other. Even without my intervention, this condition is satisfied by this newsgroup. (2) People have to want to speak. In the world of politics, people want to speak in order to defend their interests. Why should students want to speak in this newsgroup? Grading is meant to provide an incentive. But it's clearly not ideal; in fact, as has been pointed out in cogent detail by Andy, Julie, Kara, Jenn and Larna, grading can have a *disincentive* or "chilling" effect. Is there another way besides grading to ensure active participation by a large variety of people? If so, let's do it. Or maybe, as argued very--uh, forcefully--by Dana, we shouldn't do anything to ensure active participation. Forcing active participation may in fact violate a student's right not to speak--it may force her to say things she doesn't mean. (Consider _Tornillo_ on this issue) In this case, would it be better just to let the newsgroup stand or fall on its own?--to let the talkative take over? (3) There have to be some sanctions against misbehavior. I've made this argument already when it came to defamation and the press. I suggested that if we didn't allow people to sue the press, the press would go out of control and pretty soon we would stop reading it; it would no longer perform its function in our system of free expression. In the world of politics, people sanction each other for misstatements and bad arguments. In this newsgroup, the sanction so far has been grades. Is there another way? For instance, will you reliably force each other to become better arguers? Or will the presence of interlopers, who say things like >I can't grade you, but I sure am going to judge you. Heh, heh. be enough to encourage thoughtfulness? If so, let's do it. In any case, one thing that's clear is that for the moment, this newsgroup is realizing very well the value of Sunshine on the Abuse of Authority. Jean Goodwin. |
Back to
|
Copyright © 1998 Jean Goodwin. All rights reserved. jeangoodwin@nwu.edu Last updated The Free Speech website, http://faculty-web.at.nwu.edu/commstud/freespeech/ |
|