The sign ban at U.Va. athletic events falls

Date published: 10/5/2008

THE LITTLE SCHOOL up the hill isn't the only Virginia public college with recent sign issues. In August, the University of Virginia banned signs and banners at all athletic events--this at the college founded by free-speech apostle Thomas Jefferson.

Alumni fumed, civil libertarians charged censorship, and students planned assorted deviltries to skirt the ban, such as wearing blue en masse to an upcoming football game. (Coaches urge Cavalier fans to form a "sea of orange" in the bleachers.)

Now U.Va. has relented.

"All those who have engaged in staging creative protests should be encouraged and also commended for their efforts," John Whitehead, president of the Charlottesville-based Rutherford Institute, stated. "This is a timely reminder of the power of the people to bring about change."

Signage bans of various sorts remain on the books at Virginia Tech, James Madison, and VCU. Is it time to sit Virginia college presidents down for bonehead civil-liberties courses?

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Date published: 10/5/2008