College Updates Controversial Civility Code to Affrim Freedom of Speech

Columbia College announced this week that it will revise a controversial civility code that angered free-speech advocates when it was adopted a year ago.

The original code, enacted in the spring of 1991, contained a provision threatening disciplinary action for hate speech.

The decision follows a Supreme Court ruling this summer striking down a Minnesota ordinance singling out hate speech for punishment.

"The new draft will affirm free speech," said Elizabeth P. Berke, a reporter at the student newspaper. "I don't think students want to be restricted."

Other colleges have recently rewritten their speech codes in what appears to be a trend toward "deregulation."

Brown University, for example, updated their speech code to outlaw "intimidating speech" rather than "demeaning speech." It's unclear what that change represents.

An intoxicated Brown undergraduate grabbed national headlines last year after being expelled for hurling racial, anti-Semitic, and anti-gay epithets at another student. DARTMOUTH

Annual Rush Begins as Administration Continues Campaign to Control Frats

Fraternities at Dartmouth College inaugurated their infamous "rush" period two nights ago, as administrators continue their campaign to restrict the behavior of the social clubs.

For the first time, the College has barred students from living in independent frat houses in an effort to force the off-campus frats back under the auspices of the University.

"There is an undeclared war on the part of the University to end the emphasis on frats as a part of campus life," said a reporter for the student newspaper.

The rift between the College and the fraternities began in April 1991, when the administration banned alcohol from "common sources" (read: kegs). The fraternities responded by becoming independent of the school.

In addition, officials have barred first-years and students not in good academic standing from rushing any fraternities. The school has also imposed fines on frats for not complying with its regulations. U. PENN

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