All anyone ever seems to be talking about is porn. And of course, we’re no exception.

But this time, our message is different: students prevailed.

Today, the Board of Regents listened to student concerns about a policy that would restrict free speech on campus.  In a unanimous vote, the Regents voted that their policy would be NO POLICY.  According to the recommendation of Chancellor Kirwan, the Board of Regents adopted the policy that the system's universities would abide by the "laws of the land," as detailed in a letter they will send to the state legislature.   Last spring, university officials canceled a screening of the triple-X pornographic film Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge at the Hoff Theater after state senators introduced an amendment to the budget that would withhold funding from the university if the film was shown.  The amendment was introduced by State Senator Andy Harris (R-Baltimore and Harford), and would likely have passed if the university had not canceled the showing.  The state senate then tasked the Board of Regents, the governing body of the University System of Maryland (USM), with developing a policy that would deal with the issue of showing obscene materials for entertainment purposes on campus.  Student activists protested, and held their own showing of the film.  They screened the first 30 minutes of the film, but the main focus of the event had turned to free speech and the ability of the state government to dictate what happens on a university campus.
 
 
 An emergency meeting was held Wednesday night to discuss the reassignment of the university's Associate Provost for Equity and Diversity Dr. Cordell Black. He has held the position for 18 years, and has made a lasting difference on this campus. A walkout in support of the Associate Provost is scheduled for 12 p.m. Thursday starting at the Nyumburu Cultural Center and ending at the Main Administration Building.

Here are some pictures  from the meeting.
 
SGA Application 11/04/2009
 
Interested in applying for a position you read about in today's Diamondback? Fill out this application and submit it by Friday, November, 6 at 5:00 pm to the Student Government Association Office, 0209J Stamp Student Union.
student_government_association_application.doc
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Dr. Cordell Black
Dear Student Body,

On Wednesday, there will be an emergency meeting held discussing the events surrounding the termination of Dr. Cordell Black. Dr. Cordell is the Assistant Provost of Equity and Diversity and has been a strong advocate for students here at the university.

I and other members of the Student Government Association, along with the leadership and members of Community Roots plus many other campus organizations, will be attending the meeting.

The meeting will be taking place from 6-8 PM in the Nyumburu Cultural Center. To RSVP for the event, please click here.

I look forward to seeing you there. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me at SGApresident@umd.edu.

Steve Glickman
Student Body President
University of Maryland
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Some of the comments from the Facebook event
 
 

For more information, please click here or e-mail us at SGAcommunications@gmail.com.

 
 
Maryland, behind the efforts of the Student Government Association, won the America's Greenest Campus competition. In addition to receiving $5,000 to continue sustainability efforts on campus, the university is receiving national accolades.
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University press release
 
 
The University of Maryland Student Government Association hosted T. Boone Pickens on Friday, Oct. 16, as the first featured speaker in its speaker series. Pickens spoke about the future of energy in the United States and answered students' questions. Here are some pictures and videos from the event.
 
 

Please note: If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP to the Student Government Association by sending an e-mail to  SGAcommunications@gmail.com.

 
 

Recent coverage of the SGA's leadership on the issue of free speech on college campuses

Newspapers:
Front Page of the Baltimore Sun: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.pornography07oct07,0,6048082.story
Metro section of the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100701577.html?wprss=rss_metro
Front page of The Diamondback: http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/screwing-with-free-speech-1.630408

DC TV Stations:
Channel 4: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Free-Porn-Oh-and-Speech-at-UMD-63677037.html
Channel 7: http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1009/666323.html

Baltimore TV Stations:
Channel 2: http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/MD-Working-On-Porn-Policy/9fPBX2qCtkaX-QKMJ0rCfA.cspx
Channel 11: http://www.wbaltv.com/news/21225812/detail.html
Channel 13: http://wjz.com/local/university.of.maryland.2.1232667.html


Radio Stations:
WTOP: http://www.wtopnews.com/?sid=1780264&nid=25
WBAL: http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/story.aspx?articleid=37162&zoneid=3

Other News Sources:
UPI: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/10/07/Maryland-students-oppose-porn-policy/UPI-41631254927394/
 
 

The Student Government Association has a lot of great events coming up this month, so here is an overview of what you should look out for:

  • Friday, Oct. 9, "Alumni Connections Series: Professions in the Field of Law"
    8:30 a.m., Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center

    This half-day workshop is a great opportunity to gain insight into what it takes to get into law school, explore the numerous professions available to those with a law degree and network with alumni who work in the field. It will begin with Law School 101, featuring a panel discussion on the basics of choosing and applying to law school.  After that, attendees will be separated into breakout sessions reviewing the many different life choices-traditional and non-traditional-available to those with a J.D. or working in the legal profession.  The workshop will conclude with roundtable lunch discussions with alumni based on students' individual interests.

    Sponsored by the A. James Clark School of Engineering, College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, College of Chemical and Life Sciences, Maryland Alumni Association, College of Letters and Sciences Pre-Law Advising Office, Student Government Association and University Career Center and the President's Promise.

    Please RSVP ASAP.  Space is limited and priority preference will be given to juniors and seniors. To RSVP, visit: http://bit.ly/3PhQTI.
Contact information:
Marcus Afzali
301-405-1694
alumni@bsos.umd.edu

  • *Tuesday, Oct. 13, "Free Speech Forum"
    7:00 p.m., Prince George's Room, Stamp Student Union

    The Board of Regents is considering a policy to regulate all films shown by student groups on campus. Pressure from state senator Andy Harris (R-Harford) has forced the move which will require all films shown by student groups to have an “educational component.” Do you know what this means? Neither do we. That's why we need your help to fight this policy and convince the Board to respect our rights to free speech and academic freedom. To voice your opinion, please attend the forum.

    For more information, contact Press Secretary Joel Cohen at SGAcommunications@gmail.com.

  • *Friday, Oct. 16, "SGA Speaker Series: A Conversation with T. Boone Pickens"
    10:30 a.m., Atrium, Stamp Student Union

    Pickens, the founder of the Pickens Plan, will speak about his plan for reducing our reliance on foreign oil and the future of energy in the United States.

    To RSVP or for more information, please e-mail Press Secretary Joel Cohen at SGAcommunications@gmail.com.

    To learn more about Mr. Pickens and his plan, visit: www.pickensplan.com.

  • Saturday Oct. 17, "Sixth Annual Homecoming Leadership Reception"
    Two hours prior to kickoff, Adele's Restaurant, Stamp Student Union

    Linda Clement, Vice President for Student Affairs, cordially invites you to join past and present student leaders for fun and festivity prior to the Homecoming football game and visit with current and former student affairs staff.  Family and friends are welcome!
    Please RSVP at http://www.studentaffairs.umd.edu/leaders.

    If you have questions, please contact Brooke Lecky Supple at 301.314.8430 or     bsupple@umd.edu.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 20, "On-Campus Safety Walk"
    5:00-8:00 p.m., Baltimore Room, Stamp Student Union

    Join SGA Senior Vice President Elliott Morris and other campus officials for the annual On-Campus Safety Walk. The walk will begin and end in the Baltimore Room and will include a comprehensive tour of the campus to locate unsafe spots.

    For more information, contact Elliott Morris at     selliott10@gmail.com.

  • *Thursday, Oct. 22, "Fourth Annual Crab Fest"
    5:30-7:00 p.m., Cole Field House

    All you can eat buffet includes: Crab Soup, Barbecue Chicken, Coleslaw, Fresh Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, Corn Bread, Ice Tea, Lemonade and Cake.

    Price for four crabs and buffet: $10
    Price for eight crabs and buffet: $15

    Tickets can be purchased at the dining halls, the Commons Shop and the Union shop using meal points or alternate forms of payment.

    Sponsored by the Student Government Association, Student Entertainment Events, The Division of Student Affairs, The Department of Dining Services and The Maryland Alumni Association.
  • Monday, Oct. 26, "Off-Campus Safety Walk"
    8:00 p.m., Off-Campus Location T.B.A.

    Join SGA Senior Vice President Elliott Morris and other campus officials for the annual Off-Campus Safety Walk. The walk will take place from 8:00-9:45pm. A specific location for the discussion has not been determined, but please let us know if you have any suggestions!

    For more information, contact Elliott Morris at selliott10@gmail.com.

  • *Tuesday, Oct. 27, "SGA Speaker Series: Robert Briskman, Sirius Satellite Radio"
    7:00 p.m.
  • A Sirius Take on Business
    Learn about entrepreneurship and being a business leader in today's economic climate from Maryland alum and co-founder of Sirius Satellite Radio, Robert Briskman.
    For more information, contact the SGA Communications Department at SGAcommunications@gmail.com.

    *Co-sponsored by the Alumni Association and the American Marketing Association*
  • *Wednesday, Oct. 28, "SGA Haunted House"
    7:00-10:00 p.m., Grand Ballroom Lounge, Stamp Student Union

    The SGA Programming & Traditions Department will be sponsoring a a free haunted house walk through complete with effects and live actors. Bring your friends and feel free to come in costume for a terrifying time!

    For more information, contact Director Liz Ding at elizabethl.ding@gmail.com.