In light of political protests on the Texas State campus, across the state, nation and world in the past few
years, it’s interesting to note that this is nothing new in San Marcos.
Consider the situation with the San Marcos 10. These 10 students at Texas State
University (then called Southwest Texas State University) took part in a
protest against the Vietnam War on campus, but were suspended and expelled from
the university in 1969.
Check out this brief video by The University Star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ygdK1awjMA#t=15
Also, listen to this NPR report broadcast from Oct. 23, 2001, in which two
of the San Marcos Ten were interviewed: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1131946
Consider that this interview was conducted less than two months after the
terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001.
After you watch and listen to these reports, return here and add a
comment
with your reaction.
With your comment, please include your
first name and the initial of your last name. I
need this information to keep track of your comments for participation points.
Monday, June 7, 2021
Free Speech at Texas State
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58 comments:
Jacob J. I am absolutely shocked. I had no idea this situation happened so close to home. I believe that the San Marcos 10 is a very important part of our school's history. The aspect of this case that shocked me the most was the punishment that the school gave these students. I would absolutely expect that the school would suspend the students but their decision to drop their GPA to 0 and to take away their credit is appalling and close to criminal in my opinion. The NPR podcast makes a connection between the school's decision and the war. I believe it is very interesting to note how our freedom of speech seems to be impacted during times of war. It is a lot easier for a court to limit speech for reasons of national safety during times of war. I am glad that the two interviewees were able to return years later, but also find it interesting that a convenient "computer issue" banned one of these students from walking the stage. This seems like another bad move for the university.
I knew about the San Marcos Ten, and I believe that everything that the university did was absolutely wrong. Why did those students have to be punished for taking advantage of their human right to free expression simply because it was on a college campus? In addition, not only were they expelled, but their GPAs were ruined as well. Many cases like this occurred during the Vietnam War regarding anti war protests, and attempts to stifle protestor's right to free speech were nothing short of authoritarian. The university should be embarrassed of what happened, and actively ensure that it doesn't occur again.
William M
I had absolutely no idea that this happened and think it's insane. On the one hand, I'm surprised, but I am also not given the time period and stigma around the Vietnam War. I mean the student talks about how being dropped from the university is just a small price to pay but I still feel so bad, they lost everything they worked for simply for peacefully protesting. I'm surprised that the guy even wanted to come back to the university. Shaking my head at the diploma issue.
Unfortunately, the school did do this in the day, but I'm very stoked about the college allowing so much free speech on campus. of course, you have the very disrespectful forms of it. but I am very happy they allow it now.
also I could not imagine being reprimanded like that for simply peacfull protesting.
I remember this story and something has stuck out to me that makes me read about it in a different light. Although in the 21st century, it is frustrating and shocking to read about the extreme punishment dealt out by TXST towards these students, it is refreshing to confidently say that our school has not only grown, but evolved policies with the times to not only protect but encourage free speech.
Kori H.
This was so interesting to learn about. It makes me sad that those 10 students were stripped of their rights. It seems like the First Amendment was completely overlooked. It makes me feel better that Texas State in today's time would have treated this issue in a much more positive way.
I've heard of the San Marcos 10 before, but I never knew of the exact story of what happened. I am appalled that the school went to those extreme punishments simply because the students expressed their free speech. I know that the Vietnam War was a controversial time and people, mostly college students, all over the U.S. were protesting against it. It is nice to see how the college has progressed and we don't necessarily see those kind of punishments handed to students. It's important for schools, especially universities to allow students to express themselves, of course if it doesn't threaten anyone's safety, and free speech is a corner stone of our rights so it's only fair. There's always going to be things people disagree on, especially war, and there should be safe spaces to let that happen.
I haven’t heard of the San Marcos 10 previously, but am surprised to hear this occurred on our campus. Texas State today seems very inclusive and now has a space dedicated to free speech. I was saddened to hear that the students involved were punished for peacefully protesting on campus. They were advocating for what they believed in and did not cross any un protected speech guidelines. Their 1st amendment rights were violated by the school and they were severely punished for it.
Haley B.
The first time I heard about the San Marcos 10 was two years ago when the anniversary came around. The University Star wrote an article about it and, being part of the Multimedia section, it was my responsibility to take a picture of the front page story for our social media; that story was the San Marcos 10 article. I believe their rights were definitely infringed upon, but it is really encouraging to see how far the university has come since then. Texas State as a whole, is a large advocate for free speech and for students formulating their own opinions and I feel comfortable knowing more information about free speech and how it intersects with the public education system.
It’s not shocking but I find it very wrong none the less. Across the United States we saw that a lot of people were angry about the war and also the fact that the government didn’t care at all. There were hundreds of protests across U.S. college campuses criticizing the government. I find it gross that because of public pressures schools and the government tried to silence anyone they could. On the bright side we got a lot of art, music, and poetry out of that time. I’m glad today that people are more open minded but I feel the government does still try to silence people who speak of them or anything related to unsavory business practices. I’m glad that Texas State learner from this and now I feel very safe to say anything (obviously within reason) and not be afraid of repercussion.
Abbie H.
WOW! That all I thought when watching that video and listening to that recording. I have never heard of the “San Marcos 10” until now. In my opinion, I find this to be very wrong and nothing less. The university restricted them from their freedom of speech, not only that but punished them by dropping their GPA to a 0? That is completely insane. I also felt very bad for Bill for being fired due to freely expressing his thoughts about the “San Marcos 10.” I agree that those students were denied their right from their first amendment and the only ones breaking the law were the administrators of Southwest Texas State. In addition, from doing research to back in the day when this was going on I realized there were a lot of angry Americans and many protests going around in the states criticizing the American government. I also came across many schools and government officials at that time trying to silence those whom opposed the Vietnam war. However, moving forward to today’s world I have seen a lot of progress from government to universities. People are freer to express what they think than back in the day. People (some) are more open to new ideas such as gay rights. Although, the government still tries to silence some people and the media has led to America being more polarized in politics which has led to fear of speaking your mind when it comes to politics. But I believe we are very different today from back then. Obviously, new issues will arise and right now one of the issues that the U.S. is dealing with is polarization and partisanship and many people blame the media and politicians. Furthermore, speaking of the “San Marcos 10” I think TXST learned from this issue and is more open and free when it comes to students and faculty to speak what they believe.
Lacie G
This was my first time hearing of the San Marcos 10, but I wasn't terribly shocked considering the location and time frame of the protest. Our country and the people inside it have grown tremendously over the last 50-100 years and I have seen similar stories like this all over the United States. I definitely think that it was wrong of "Southwest Texas State University" to punish the students like that, especially since everyone in college is a legal adult. I feel like their First Amendment right was taken from them in this situation, and for the University to stoop so low as to decrease their GPA to a 0 wasn't right. I am glad that even after all of this happened, David Bayless and Annie Burleson still went back and completed their degrees.
-LG
Ashley S.
I hadn't read the story behind the San Marcos 10 before, but I am glad to have learned about it. I am surprised that San Marcos is considered "yellow" in their policies about allowing protests and free speech, because I have seen a broad range of protests, speakers and gatherings on campus, including some that, I would think, would be considered controversial. Even though I strongly disagree with some of them, I am glad they are allowed on campus.
I think the most interesting thing about the San Marcos ten is that they were ruled against, even though it was stated that they were not interrupting the education process, but other people might have been. It really puts into perspective how charged the political climate was at that time.
This was my first time hearing about this case, and after watching the youtube video I was completely shocked this happened. I thought the university gave them an unfair and harsh punishment. In the NPR broadcast one of the San Marcos 10 said they only faced consequences because of the other students that were in attendance at the demonstration. One of the San Marcos 10 in the NPR broadcast told us what the Dean of Administration, at the time, said, "He had to keep us away because, while we were not disrupting, causing any problems, there was a possibility that there might be a disruption caused by this." I thought that statement was very telling and make me think the San Marcos 10 was being punished based off of 'what if's' and the actions of others. Their First Amendment right was definitely taken from them. Like I keep mentioning, they were not causing any harm to the other students, they were simply speaking their minds and standing up for what they believed in.
I am equally shocked by this occurrence. I just transferred to Texas State and moved to San Marcos last fall semester and am not well versed on the history of the university. I am pretty surprised by the ultimate ruling of the San Marcos ten considering they were supposedly not causing much disruption. The "disruption" being the observers of the silent protest. I thought it was also interesting how they did not deny David Bayless to achieve his diploma a few years later from the university, but they made sure he would not walk, blaming it on 'an error with the system.'
Kattiana E
This is such an interesting story out of all my years here I unfourtatnely have never heard of this. My first reaction after watching the news story, I was shocked about the consequences they faced but not surprised because although Texas State has evolved from being South West Texas, I still believe they have carried some of its cultures and ways into now. Participation in free speech should to result in any kind of academic punishment, I mean as a student body we pay a huge amount of money to attend this school we should have the accessibility to speak freely without consequences.
Jet H.
I had never heard of this but it makes sense as to why I haven't, because Texas State probably doesn't like reliving this... Anyhow, this is pretty ridiculous considering my time on campus consisted of numerous amounts of people in the square talking about religion, rights, etc... This would have been a great free speech topic for them. The 10 were just speaking their minds and not being able to do that without facing their consequences of not walking, stripped of diplomas, humiliation, GPA, etc.. definitely shows that free speech was not as FREE as it is today. The Vietnam war in general was a very controversial endeavor so for students to not be able to speak up like everyone else in the country at the time was, is ABSURD.
Ashlyn W,
I was not aware of this happening but I think it's crazy to basically strip the rights and the hardwork of their GPA's for something that is praised now. Free speech is so important today, especially in our generation. I just glad society understands some aspects of the justice it can do!
I had never expected this to happen after watching the video that the students were being punished for doing something that was completely harmless, namely peaceful protest. They were standing up for what they believe in if freedom of speech is free why is that not applying to the college campuses as well. For speaking their minds at whatever cost regardless of the consequences, I share their respect. However, it doesn't make sense that the university would take the things they earned at their school, it would be different if there were vandalism or violence involved. However, it was only calmness that was speaking the truth from each and every brave soul. As a positive aspect, I find it incredibly encouraging to see society open up to freedom of speech!
Rachael H.
I remember seeing this in the University Star but was appalled on behalf of the students involved how serious of an action it was based off the simplicity of speaking freely. We see people that are not even students protesting their agendas all the time at the statues whether it involves politics, abortion, religious community, or anything else. This was sad when I learned about it the first time and I think it has been long enough that the university can remember this mistake and take it as a life lesson.
Taylor T
I have never actually heard of this before but found it very interesting. It is crazy that these students got expelled and none of their credit hours counted. I think that a peaceful protest is fine at a public university as long as no one is causing trouble. These protestors from what I saw didn't seem to be causing any problem except for not leaving. Many people protested during the Vietnam war so what they were protesting wasn't even far out of the ordinary ideas.
It feels weird seeing these kids that are just sitting there get in trouble while just a year ago protestors were burning down buildings and looting stores. If anything I feel like the school should have respected the opinions of the protestors since they were doing it in a peaceful way.
I had never heard of the San Marcos Ten before, and I am really shocked at what happened to them. I found the NPR clip super interesting, especially the parts where David Bayless spoke. It’s crazy that he had actually fought in the Vietnam war only a few months before starting college and protesting the war. I also thought it was interesting that the judge decided their punishment based on the commotion brought upon by other students rather than the small protest itself. Considering the timing of this event, I could kind of understand their explosion because anti-war messages were heavily looked down upon by people in positions of power and the older generations. However, I think dropping their GPA and taking away their hard earned credit hours was absolutely uncalled for. Overall I think being punished in any way for peacefully protesting is a direct violation of our first amendment rights. Therefore, making it unconstitutional.
Kaliyah R.
This is the first time I've heard about the San Marcos 10 and I am shocked about what I learned. I believe that the way the school behaved in this matter was one hundred percent wrong. Everyone has their first amendment rights, and Texas State definitely violated them for those 10 students. I do think that it's an important part of the schools history because even to this day there are still students that take the stand on the statue and preach on what they believe.
I have never heard of the San Marcos 10, and after reading about how the university handled this, I am absolutely appalled. I can not believe the university I picked because of its open-minded beliefs and morals has done the things highlighted in the video and interview. It surprises me because of how they want us to use our voice and not be suppressed to not share out views. We have the horse statue on campus that is a safe stop on campus for students to speak their minds and show others about issues they may not know about. Even if this had to happen in order for students to have this luxury, they still have their first amendment right to exercise, so their actions to me are not rational or right.
Being a part of the University Star during my undergrad at one point, I never really knew about the San Marcos 10. I hate that the Dean had to come out there and scare everybody away just so everyone would be quiet and leave but for the San Marcos 10, I praise them because they stood their ground, basically peacefully protested after everyone left and they risk their entire studies and education just so they could have their voices heard. Risking all their studies to go down the drain, have their GPA's dropped to 0.00 and get expelled from the university; I really praise them for doing that. I'm more surprised this actually happen at a place I am very familiar with that I walk pass all the time, it happened so close to a home that's in my name, a place that I love to call home. Me being who I am, I would do the same. Their actions are respected by me even if they lost at the end. It doesn't make sense that the university would take the things like their studies or their degree(s) they were working so hard to earn during a war just taking away so quick, if it was something worse, that would be a different story. I would hope if something like this ever happens again, the university would take better consideration in what to do and not what to do (like what they did) to the San Marcos 10. As a soon to be alumni of Texas State, I will never forget this story, I may not have officially born until 29 years later but it still happened at a university I am currently a student at. Just like the Vietnam War hasn't been forgotten...The San Marcos 10 won't be forgotten either.
I had first heard about the San Marcos 10 in one of my earlier mass communication courses. Every time I review the story, I always get disappointed about the reaction the school officials had. I had never listened to the NPR broadcast until now and it was nice to hear that some of them still managed to complete their education after everything that had happened. Compared to now, Texas State has really come a long way. Hopefully the San Marcos 10 are all living healthy and wonderful lives.
I had previously heard about the San Marcos 10 in one of my other Mass Comm classes, but none of my friends have the slightest clue as to what happened in 1969. I do wish it was talked about more considering how much our students values freedom of speech. Most TXST students have more than likely never heard of the San Marcos 10 and while it is deeply upsetting to hear about the unconstitutional disciplinary actions, this story has the potential to leave so much impact and possibly encourage more students to employ their First Amendment right. I commend the San Marcos 10 for refusing to let intimidation prevail. Not many people are willing to put their future on the line in exchange for their voice to be heard.
I had never heard of the San Marcos 10 prior to watching and listening to the youtube and NPR report. My first reaction was this was overkill and the university did not need to go such drastic measures such as suspending the students over a peaceful protest that no violence or injurys had happened. But this was a different time and many other university antiwar protesting were initiating violence so the university had to stand by their own rules and apparently even the State of Texas legal system agreed with them.
I am shocked after reading about this attack on basic human rights. I have never heard about the San Marcos 10 before but I cannot believe that the school went to such lengths to silent a group of people for expressing their beliefs on such a controversial issue. I know that in todays time, something like that would have never been allowed.
This is really infringing on student's rights, especially for a peaceful protest. Isn't the right to assembly an integral part of the constitution? This honestly reminds me of when I was in middle school, and students did a peaceful protest outside for teachers who had been fired. My middle school shut the doors and locked them, so if anyone who participated couldn't get back in for class, so they were marked absent. Shame that it doesn't change much when you get to higher education. :(
I had never heard of the San Marcos 10 prior to this class. I feel like the university handled this situation poorly. The students were punished and expelled for peacefully protesting. I find that so wrong and I am grateful that out university is more open to letting students freely express themselves.
hannah M
i have actually never heard of the san Marcos 10 and to say the least, i don't know if i am surprised or not that people tried to really shut the agenda down, on campus and in the editorial. i feel that the punishments the students got were pretty harsh for what they were doing and that the university could've handled that way better in literally every way. i am actually really happy to know and now see that the stallions are essentially a free speech zone and that the university (within reason) actually urges people to speak how they feel.
)
Marti C.
It is so shocking that this happened here at Texas State University. It is wild because you would never assume that anything like that would happen where you are from or a place you truly love. But that just makes you think more and open your mind to similar situations.
Ashley N
It was very interesting to learn about what happened to those 10 students, I had no idea about that. It's saddening that they had their rights taken away from them, but it is comforting to know that now days Texas State would have handled the situation way better. Still can't believe that our school treated them that way though.
Andrew O.
It was surprising to me to hear that those students that were involved in the protest had their GPA's dropped to zero. I think that was pretty excessive for the school to take measures such as that one. I would've never guessed this would happen at Texas State back in the day. I can see why it's important to learn about the history of a place or of an event to better understand what has become of the present. I don't think that it was fair to have to go to such measures. This situation could have been handled much better.
Dylan H.
I had remembered hearing about the San Marcos 10 but never knew about all the consequences they received. They truly believed in what they were fighting for and to hear the university dropped their GPA's to 0 and suspended the students is just sad. Some of the students returned and graduated but some of them never got the chance to graduate from Texas state at all. The actions taken against these students wasn't fair and it kind of changes how you look at the university as a whole even though we've come a long way.
I'm still in shocked that I've never heard of the San Marcos 10, it's literally Texas State University history and it should be acknowledged on campus. Texas State University violated the rights of those students. As Americans we are granted the rights of freedom of speech regardless of the outcome. It's crazy how they say "exercise the first amendment" but the moment we do we get backlash from it. The horse statue on campus at Texas State is a safe place where students can express themselves and have a freedom speech despite the outcome or the results
Amber Dotson
I'm surprised I have not heard about this until now. For students using their first amendment right to free speech, I see these consequences as being very harsh. Expelling students and dropping their GPAs to 0 seems like robbery to me. Students are paying into this school to expand their minds. That entails hearing differing viewpoints from others. Students were in the right here. I can not believe the school has this kind of power.
It is pretty surprising that I did not know about this until now. It is crazy to think that even after so many years this type of situation could happen again. The students getting expelled for practicing their freedom of speech and speaking up about what they believe in. Its a little funny to think that we learn about freedom of speech and school is a place where we should be able to do that, in fact, most schools use that as their motto, but yet contradict themselves.
I was surprised that their punishment was to the extreme. They went to school to earn their degree and worked hard for how far they had made in school, for them to just drop their GPA to a 0. It is completely unfair for them to stand up for what they belived in and have their education taken from them. I admire that they stood with their beliefs, but I am dissapointed in the consequences the dean decided they had to face. I am surprised in the amount of power they had, and their determination to do everything in their hands to be able to try and silence these students along with destroying their education.
I like that they interviewed the former students and wrote the article at that time. While 9/11 was one of our greatest national tragedies, people had a tendency to act or speak out of pure emotional reaction. During the wake of 9/11 people misjudged a lot of Muslim-Americans. Back during the Vietnam Era people felt the same way about communists alleged or otherwise. The protesting students did not cause any sort of disturbance, yet they were all suspended and subsequently expelled.
Wow, I never knew about this. I am shocked that the school acted the way it did. I think it is so important to allow students the room to speak freely about issues that are affecting them. The fact that these students did this was breathtaking. Like the lady said, many of the men participating were protected from going to war because they were students, yet they put their student status at risk by standing up for what they believed in. I wonder if the University has since issued a formal apology to these students, if not, they should. As a veteran, I strongly agree with these students. Hell, people were protesting the war while I was in and I fully support them and always will.
I never knew about this. I want to say that I'm shocked that this happened, but Texas in the 1960's? Are we really that surprised that the school punished the students for speaking out against the war? However, I am shocked that nobody really did anything about it. I suppose we have the right to protest, but there's nothing that says we can't be punished for protesting, right? I don't agree with the decision of the school or the judge in question, but I'm not surprised.
Gonzalo T said:
It is truly a shame that Texas State University has the reputation of having been a school that expelled ten students for peacefully protesting a war they didn't believe was necessary. Whether or not you believe that the Vietnam war was necessary at the time, The actions taken by the Dean were atrocious and left a stain on the School's name and reputation.I did not know about the San Marcos 10, and the fact that the school has not apologized in recognition of their vile actions is yet another reason why the Dean and the school need to reflect and take responsibility for previous mistakes.
This is the first time I have heard about the San Marcos 10, and I am appalled. I think that dropping their GPA's to 0 was an extremely unfair, especially for the situation. As Americans, we have the right to free speech and they were exercising those rights by peacefully protesting and doing no harm to the community/university. These students were paying to receive a higher education and that got stripped away from them for exercising their freedom of speech.
Alana A.
I never realized the significance/history that had happened at the stallion statues. Before covid, I would always love to walk by the stallions and see people gathered for protests. To think that that comradery dated back to the 60s is insane! However, what happened to those students was unconstitutional. Not only did they wipe their GPAs, but I cant help to think about how much money and time was wasted all for sticking up for what they believed in. It seems to me that people of power become very sensitive during times of war.
Alice A
This is my first time hearing about the San Marcos 10 and Im disappointed that I haven't learned about this from any other teachers! I think messing with a student's hard work and well-earned GPA for wanting to act in the first amendment is absolutely unjust. I also never knew the full intensity of the stallion statues. Im so glad that Texas State is now such an inclusive campus and really not only allows but encourages their students to project their voices.
Parker Healy:
Like many others on this forum, this was my first time hearing about the San Marcos 10. First, I would like to thank you professor, this was a very interesting piece of information and history.
As history repeats itself, I notice that we are slow to change and even now with the statue that you are allowed to protest at, you are only allowed to do so if it is approved. Free speech is unlimited in comparison to other countries in the world; however, that does not mean that we are unchallenged in this right. I feel as if this would happen with other movements that go against the grain of the university. With all that being said, I find it interesting to think that we would have never remembered these few if they weren't punished. And that the school did more PR to that movement than if they were to have let them speak.
Taylor B.
I had no idea about this happening. I can't say i'm surprised but it wild to hear about. Dropping their GPA's seems like a step way too far to me. At the end of the day it was just expression and free speech, that being said it is hard to judge what speech is detrimental to a society when topics are this big. Still I think the university went too far.
It's shocking to learn about the Texas State 10. I know we had discussed that an educational institution can make decision and deliver punishment if a member or student of the institution doesn't align with their beliefs and practices. This doesn't seem to be the case here. This was freedom of expression related to a war effort and far removed from the university. I hate institutions using their power so aggressively - dropping their GPAs to zero. It's childish, in a way.
Destiny G.
The entire time I have attended Texas State University I have not heard of the Texas State 10. I was shocked to find out that 10 of the students from the protest were actually arrested and expelled for literally just being silent. It makes me proud to know that those people stood up for what they believed in no matter the consequence. Texas State University definitely failed to protect it's students rights in this situation.
This honestly doesn't shock me for this time period. Yes, the first amendment was in affect just as well as it is today but with social media, one voice carries. That meaning that in the Vietnam time period people were hushed. I viewed all of the videos but also read comments to this post. Most students were shocked that this even happened. The only reason I am not shocked is because of the time period. Now a days if you were to be the last 10 standing up for something you believe in, it would be blasted on social media and media outlets would back you. In this time period that would not happen. For the ones that got expelled I commend them. It takes guts to stand up for what you believe in even if you are loosing everything. The were not shocked by the consequences because they knew they were coming. There are many times in our history that this situation has happened and that is what makes American different from any other country.
Kori D
This honestly doesn't shock me for this time period. Yes, the first amendment was in affect just as well as it is today but with social media, one voice carries. That meaning that in the Vietnam time period people were hushed. I viewed all of the videos but also read comments to this post. Most students were shocked that this even happened. The only reason I am not shocked is because of the time period. Now a days if you were to be the last 10 standing up for something you believe in, it would be blasted on social media and media outlets would back you. In this time period that would not happen. For the ones that got expelled I commend them. It takes guts to stand up for what you believe in even if you are loosing everything. The were not shocked by the consequences because they knew they were coming. There are many times in our history that this situation has happened and that is what makes American different from any other country.
Vanessa B.
This is the first time I'm hearing of this incident of The Texas State 10. Honestly, this infuriates me. As a public university, we should have right to practice are first amendment right to protest. Especially after hearing the Bayless and Burleson interview with NPR, I don't see why their peaceful protest threatened the university so much. But to be honest, after witnessing protests here at Texas State myself, it's really not that surprising to me. I remember a few semesters ago, seeing students taken into UPD for protesting on campus. It upsets me that the university still doesn't grant our rights to peacefully protest if they don't agree with what is being protest. Overall, I'm still in disbelief that they suspended and expelled those 10 students. If they weren't being harmful or physical to anyone, I really see no point and actual reason for going that far in disciplinary actions.
Tyller L.
I can’t believe something like this would ever happen but I know it will happen unfortunately. In this point and time things like this that happened at Texas State would not fly because of the impact that social media has made across the nation. Social media carries voices to be heard and respected it. I do feel like this situation could have been handled differently. The first Amendment is being violated here for sure. I think now it should be way more lenient than what it use to be especially when it comes to expressions because many things could be taken in the wrong way.
Brycen K
I have never heard of the san marcos 10 before. I feel that every student has the right to express themselves in a civil manner. Texas State university honestly holds its students in a bubble and when we want to speak our mind about things we are never heard. I cannot believe those students got in trouble just disgraceful as a university.
The fact that these students got expelled is crazy to me. It really shows how much things have changed. I've seen several protests, even some that got heated and rowdy, at that exact same spot on campus. Campus police have shown up but they usually just keep an eye out and watch for any violence, they never stop them from protesting. Arresting and expelling the students for exercising their first amendment right does not sound like today's Texas State, which is a university that welcomes self expression and wants their students to succeed. I feel like the worst part is that they took away those students' college credits, which means they'd have to start all over elsewhere.
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