Last week, students were able to share their views on campus issues during Free Speech Alley.

The Student Government Association set up tables in the War Memorial Student Union from Monday, Nov. 18 to Wednesday, Nov. 20 in effort to gain feedback and address student concerns.

"This is called Free Speech Alley, and what it does is allow students to come to our booth and ask questions that they don't normally get to ask about campus," said Grant Lanier, senior political science major and associate justice for SGA. "At the end of the semester, we're going to round up all the questions, find out which ones are more prominent throughout the group, find the people who have these answers, videotape them and put it on the website for everybody to see exactly how campus has responded to the concerns of the students."

The SGA table was covered in paper, and provided markers for students to use and freely voice their thoughts and bring attention to issues they felt were important.  

"I wrote that there should be no harassment on campus toward any students, or anyone, for that matter," said Austin Cradic, sophomore psychology major. "Sometimes on campus we deal with a lot of harassment toward minority groups, or to just bully someone in general. I don't want to see that happen to anyone on campus."

Students also utilized Free Speech Alley to show support for the Lion football team and other student organizations.

"I put 'Lion Up,' because I'm pretty sure we're going to the national championship this year," said Colton Vickers, sophomore communication major. "I've always been a big Lions fan, even before we were getting really good, and I feel like they deserve some support."

According to Lanier, many students had questions regarding parking and the availability of healthy food on campus. SGA members will be answering students' questions on campus parking. While SGA does not manage food options on campus, Lanier stresses that voicing concerns about campus dining and other points of concern allows SGA to advocate for desired changes. Once a video of answers to student questions is compiled, an email providing a link to the video will be sent to the student body.

For more information on student advocacy, contact SGA at [email protected].