ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University campus organizations joined local and regional entities in commemorating Free Speech Week.
NSU Student Affairs worked with the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, the city of Aberdeen and Brown County to officially proclaim Oct. 18-24 as Free Speech Week.
“I commend our students, faculty and staff for their civic engagement, commitment to the First Amendment and collaboration with community partners,” said NSU President Neal Schnoor.
As part of Free Speech Week, the NSU Student Government Association tabled in the Avera Student Center during the week to promote student awareness of the First Amendment.
“The Free Speech Week Proclamation prompted a lot of good discussion around the First Amendment, civility, academic freedom and the importance of hearing all perspectives on a college campus,” said NSU Dean of Students Sean Blackburn.
Free Speech Week, held annually on Oct. 18-24, is a non-partisan celebration of the freedoms of speech and the press.
“I believe it's significant that the freedom of speech is recognized first in the Bill of Rights,” said Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman. “There's a strong responsibility for citizens to exercise this right and to speak out.”
To learn more about Free Speech Week, visit the website found here.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.