Dear Editor,

I am writing in regards to your recent article “Code vs. free speech” on Frank Runninghorse and the “unauthorized” flier.

Let me quote from Section D of Education Code 70901:

The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges shall establish minimum standards allowing “students the right to participate effectively in district and college governance, and the opportunity to express their opinions at the campus level and to ensure that these opinions are given every reasonable consideration…”

Student government was established in order to model how democracy effectively works. Prior restraint on free speech violates this whole principle. There should be no restraint on what fliers should be given out, provided that none are of a threatening nature.

DVC’s administration appears to need a lesson in what democratic governance means, or at least a reminder.

Personally it was my pleasure to have known Mr. Runninghorse many years ago. I knew a man with fireless dedication to social justice and human equality. I have not known him for many years and I have no connection to the Students for a Democratic Society. However, I am deeply concerned about the attacks on democracy that I have seen in the past ten years. I therefore feel the need to speak out. I thank you for your time.

Nathaniel Bates

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