Speaks out

would it have a substantial impact on students’ experience
if ucla were to do away with its free speech zone, Avneet Kaur

Fourth-year, Political science

“It is definitely a value to have this free speech zone on
campus because as such a diverse campus, there are many different
views to be expressed, and it is easy to do so at such a central
location to campus.” Adam Sheppard

Second-year, Mechanical engineering

“I think everyone should have the chance to hear other
views because college is a time when you decide exactly what you
believe. Hearing other opinions allows you to question what you may
find to be true or affirm your beliefs.” Dmitri Pikman

Third-year, Political science

“Obviously UCLA is known for being liberal and for housing
many different views, and if people don’t have a good place
to express their views, then that will take away from the
experience. People come here to do more than just study, they come
here to experience other perspectives to life.” David
Chen

Fifth-year, Business economics

“It makes an impact to have such an open location to
exercise free speech because opinions can be seen and heard. Many
times people demonstrating on the streets are only seen, but here
people are heard as well.” Jaclyn Stitz

Third-year, Applied math

“I think free speech zones should exist because people
have the right to choose to speak, so others have the right to
choose not to listen.” Sonny Ganaden

Fourth-year, Sociology and public policy

“Generally a place of higher education should be a place
to express your opinions freely, if there are these avenues then
why not use them? This place is a great place to exercise free
speech, especially with all the access to student traffic. Free
speech zones are definitely useful for getting information you
otherwise wouldn’t get. “