Remember The True Center
With all due respect to the FitRec, my colleagues in the GSU, and the soon to be completed Student Services Center, the real student center and student union is at the plaza in front of Marsh.
The simple summary is that Marsh Plaza is a paved open pedestrian space at the center of the campus – a plain summary that neglects the place. It deserves a better description. It’s one of those ways that justice might show itself – the place to parade, show off, propose, chit-chat, sing, argue, play, protest, cut through, create, listen, style and freestyle, celebrate, cry, snap a picture, hug, check-in, meet up, and, gather.
I can’t disrupt the flow. I have to respect the space.
It’s our – the people and the community – place. Sometimes the flow is official and organized; often it’s not and we get to figure it out. Regardless of what flows in the space, I take care not to disrupt it. Disruption might be the height of disrespect for the community and the sense of place.
It’s the front of our house.
Our porch.
Our common.
Our piece of common ground.
Peace.
6 comments
Well said. Thanks Dean Elmore.
Common Ground should exclude no one. Why were people excluded this morning Dean?
People that use space give meaning to that space. Otherwise Marsh is empty. Last night, students gave it meaning.
As an alumna, and in my personal experience, BU seems to reserve the parades, and the meet ups, protests, and creations for when it fits the image of the school, NOT the character of the students. Requests for use of Marsh plaza for short term protests and longer Occupations alike go unanswered or denied to some students, while others are given free reign for similar (but often “more favorable” in terms of University image) events.
Which is fine. I personally feel that as BU space, it should be available for use by any outrageously-high-tuition paying BU student for whatever (safe and peaceful) means they chose. But its private space, I get that. But to come out in support these protests downtown as a demonstration of freedom and democracy only to squash them on campus, well that’s just hypocritical Mr. Dean.
If this is the place to protest, if this is the true center of free speech and assembly, then why try to silence Boston University Students?
Dean, can you please respond? I’ve been checking back to this page constantly to see if you’ll post something new.