Save 9/11 Memorial and Protect Free Speech on SMU Dallas Hall

This is a petition aims to allow the annual 9/11 memorial as well as many other demonstrations including the pro-life and pro-choice displays to take place on Dallas Hall Lawn. Young Americans for Freedom 9/11 Memorial display consists of 2,977 American flags that honor the lives lost that terrible day. We ask that SMU remove the new use of grounds policy that would move all future displays to much less prominent MoMac Park.

Diverse student organizations, with a wide range of values and beliefs, such as Young Americans for Freedom, College Republicans, College Democrats, Mustangs for Life, Feminist Equality Movement, and Turning Point USA have all come together to take a stand to correct this policy, which will maintain and protect SMU's commitment to higher learning and dialogue.This is disappointing considering that the purpose of the many displays that our organizations construct is to generate respectful, diverse dialogue so that our campus will be a center for thoughtful and engaging discussion that inspires and informs the ‘World Changers’ we are all striving to become.

A flag memorial to honor those who lost their lives in the events of 9/11, or displays promoting the education and discussion of the pro-life, pro-choice movements among SMU students must not be viewed as attacks on others. SMU's mission is to be a place where ideas are challenged and intellect thrives, not a place to hide or silence alternative points of view.

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