UH-Hilo's new photo ban policy panned

Wednesday

16May

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:15AM

Two groups that expressed concerns about the University of Hawaii at Hilo's policy regarding photographs of public events on campus have registered disappointment with the university's response.

Jim Albertini, of Kurtistown's Malu Aina Center for Non-Violent Education and Action, and the Big Island Press Club board, of which I'm a member, have echoed my personal view, which is that the university's new policy of asking campus visitors whether or not they'd like a photo ban placed in effect serves to undermine First Amendment rights and would continue to restrict the ability of the media to do its job on the public campus.

The Press Club recently sent Keith Miser, vice chancellor for student affairs, a letter reminding him that, "It is a general practice in America that governmental and civic processes should be open, unless there is a compelling reason for closure."

"Your solution to the awkwardness of Mar. 8 backtracks from that American practice," wrote BIPC President Peter Sur.

Albertini issued a press release yesterday saying:

Miser has it backwards. He is not working for a private company. He is working for a public university. The University should be telling all job recruiters that the events need to be totally open (like other universities have done) since the University is a taxpayer run institution and taxpayers are paying the bills for the facilities. If CIA and other recruiters don't want their faces to be photographed at UHH they can put a bag over their heads. If they want a private event, they can rent a room at a local hotel and issue invitations.

I hope university officials will see fit to review their policies on photographs once again, this time with a more careful eye toward its civic responsibility to the community it serves rather than unnecessary courtesies extended to campus visitors.

Hunter Bishop |

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Reader Comments (3)

I appears the University of California-Irvine needs a new policy on this also.

video of an evil antisemitic rant by Amir Abdel Malik Ali, in a private room at the Muslim Students Union hatefest this week at University of California Irvine. Absolutely sickening, with paranoid conspiracy theories about the Mossad being behind 9/11, and claims that “Zionist Jews” are plotting around the world to make Muslims look bad.

The student recording the video is thrown out when they notice him. This is really nasty stuff.

http://www.ocblog.net/ocblog/2007/05/uci_intifada_pr.html#comments

I'm eagerly awaited the protest from the free speech loving left in California regarding this...oh yes,,,never mind....

May 18, 2007 |

Grant Jones

I know this is redundant for some, but this is UH-Hilo at its worst in decades. It is acting as an agent for George Bush or some underling. That the campus itself has not exploded in anger is a mystery. If some fed agent wants privacy, he can spend money for a private gathering at a home or hotel to sell his probable slime. I do not wish my tax dollars blown on such subterefuge, now or into the future.

May 18, 2007 |

Hugh Clark

This whole issue is unconstitutional. To propagate good events such as the "Family Affair",sports events and other good community collaborating events why would we rule a no photo on campus at public events rule? There is a freedom of expression (private and public) being affected here for what, or should I say Who. If there is a fear of identifying federal agents at UHH then there must be the same fear to recognize possible terrorists. Why is one privileged and not the other. We need to be able to see all events if we are to support them. UHH Dean, what are you thinking, you are a state entity working for the people of this state, serving students who feel UHH is where they wish to be educated. I for one would like to see my son, daughter, niece ,nephew, husband, wife etc... in all the events they may participate in and if I am disable or live far how am I to accomplish this pride for a relative in university. If the feds want secret education then go somewhere else. Somewhere that does everything in secret, you have the fake money and it is unlimited, use it to get a good secret education. If this University keeps satisfying the whims of people who don't belong here above the students and community that wish to take pride in their school then the budget will be affected and you should prepare yourselves. Another note is also that why are we monitoring visitors (non-students) of UHH, do you ask them about all your programs? Why are you monitoring visitors when it is a public forum?It is unconstitutional to restrict free speech. This means UHH is not for the people it is for private enterprise I think, or is this the "Bush" syndrome. It sounds kinda close to dictatorship so why do we have a CONSTITUTION?

May 24, 2007 |

The Skeleton's Speakeasy

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