Ole Miss should lead by supporting free speech

Ole Miss is often ridiculed for not attempting to be progressive. However, we have been given a chance to lead the way on an issue that affects millions across the country.

The issue is the presence of a free-speech zone on campus. Associate Dean of Students Sparky Reardon has declared that the free speech zone on campus is about to undergo some changes.

Hopefully, the changes that are adopted will lead the way for change across the South. Few schools in the Southeastern Conference have a campus wide free speech zone. So not only will Ole Miss be known for its highly touted football team, but Ole Miss will also be known as the place where one can truly get some things "off his chest" without worry.

Having a campus wide free speech area may cause problems, but there are problems already arising on other campuses that have designated free speech zones, so that should not be an issue.

A campus wide free speech zone will ensure that people will truly express themselves in a law-abiding manner. We realize that there will be those people who will take the campuswide free speech zone and become overly extreme but like everything else in life, nothing turns out perfect.

Campus administrators, as you read this editorial while sipping on your morning cup of coffee, please ponder an Ole Miss where students are truly using the full capacity of their minds. An Ole Miss where one is able to say that gays deserve the right to marriage or that Deuce McAllister is the worst football player in the country (although they would be lying on the latter issue). In other words, a place where the Constitution is upheld without exception.

Nic Lott admits violation

For those faithful listeners across Lafayette County, last night was a night of firsts on Rebel Radio. First Prime Tyme Rhythm and Rhyme debuts, thus, adding a hip hop and rhythm and blues show to Rebel Radio, and then an ASB member publicly apologized for his wrongdoing.

President Lott's speech last night was a shallow attempt to rectify what could have been a bad situation. However, he must be commended for being the leader he claimed to be. By acknowledging his misinterpretation of the Associated Student Body code, Lott allowed the student body to see that although Good Morning America may have portrayed him as the next super hero, he is still a college student like the rest of us.

Nevertheless, we hope that President Lott and his staff are able to accomplish all of their goals this year. Yes, it is true that they have some big shoes to fill, but it is also true that he and his cabinet are capable leaders who a majority of the student body has given its trust.