Shut up, Berkeley

Which is more important—the freedom of expression or the right to a peaceful work environment? This is a question that has plagued the University of California, Berkeley community in recent weeks.

Sproul Plaza, in the main part of campus, was the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s and still remains a forum for political oratory, shouting evangelists, musical concerts and students enjoying time outdoors.

But the plaza is also overlooked by Sproul Hall, home to a number of business and faculty offices. It is the inhabitants of these offices who have begun to shout about the level of noise in the plaza, especially during the noon hour. They complain that the goings-on are so deafening they disrupt university business.

Some at the University are trying to take measures to increase the noise restrictions in the plaza, but students worry that these additional restrictions would infringe upon their First Amendment rights, and namely be an assault on free speech.

According to a New York Times News Service article, current university regulations limit amplified sound to 90 decibels, the equivalent of heavy truck traffic and at the low end of the very loud sound range, in the plaza from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on school days. Only students are allowed to hold events in the plaza and amplification is prohibited during final exams. Students must use the University’s microphones and other amplifying equipment and must reserve the site in advance.

Part of the problem lies with people who do not follow these regulations, and part lies with the regulations themselves, which permit sounds up to 90 decibels. The Campus Times feels that these regulations should be followed by students and non-students alike. If people do not play by the rules, they should lose the privilege of using Sproul Plaza. By the same token, the university should consider lowering the loudness limit to one that would be more tolerable to those working near the plaza.

The freedoms of speech and expression are extremely important, and students have every right to enjoy them, within certain means. Comparatively, a peaceful work environment is essential to those who work in Sproul Hall.

Free speech in Sproul Plaza should not perish, but students should also respect the rights of others and put a lid on the din, at least during the restricted business hours.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

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