Students write in chalk about political opinions around campus at local university

With the presidential election less than a week away, voters are getting vocal about who they’re supporting and why.

And while free speech is promoted, especially on college campuses, it appears Salisbury University had to step in today to address a form of expression that has taken what appears to be an offensive turn.

When walking around campus, you can see political opinions chalked on sidewalks.

Chalking is not against school policy, but it appears some of the sentiments expressed are.

SU sent out an email to students Wednesday, stating that the University does not take a stance regarding the election and that the school will not govern free speech, but they will enforce the University’s Code of Conduct, including the Chalking Policy.

One of the chalking rules states that whatever is written must contain non-offensive language such as derogatory comments, obscenities, as well as hate speech.

We’re told some of the offensive statements were washed away. The campus encourages chalking as a way to have free speech. Students we spoke to agreed as well.

Freshman Elaina Cvetko says, “I think it’s a really good way for people to get their opinions out and their ideas about everything. So I do think it’s pretty positive. “

And sophomore Anthony Cillo says, “Well I mean it’s freedom of speech, they’re showing their opinions, even though it may be controversial, they’re just showing how they feel.”

But when we asked the students about some of the controversial sentiments reportedly chalked on campus, from immigration, to intolerance, and violence, students tended to have different views.

Senior Kevin Dean states, “I’m all for people voicing their opinion, even if it’s a little you know disrespectful, people are going to say it face to face so if you’re writing it, what’s the difference really.”

Sophomore Eliza Wachimowizc comments, “That is something super rude and kind of crass to do. It really should be nice things for the most part I mean it’s one thing to put out your opinion but it’s another thing to kind of come across as insulting or offensive. I think people really need to keep that in mind and just kind of we need to stick together as a campus and a community.”

The e-mail sent out to students also asks them to consider their intent and campus impact before talking or chalking.