Spring Break
Open Mic Night Helps Promote First Amendment
Katherine Brazauskas
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Focus
You have 15 minutes and a microphone, what will you say?
Students, as well as faculty and staff, were invited to share any and all ideas, thoughts and expressions onstage in front of a microphone at the Student Union last night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., allowing 15 minutes per person. Daniel Hutcherson, a 5th-semester communications major, was the emcee for the first annual Open Mic Night.
"The purpose of this open mic night is to provide a place and space for freedom of speech," Hutcherson said.
The Open Mic Night concluded the First Amendment Events program series. The mission statement of the First Amendment Events program encompasses "five events offered as co-educational activities across campus focusing on the rights provided by the First Amendment, how those rights are challenged and how to exercise those rights in an appropriate manner," according to a flyer handed out at the event. The stage provided a zone for free speech, uninhibited by rules or regulations.
Hutcherson commenced the Open Mic Night by reading a blast poem he wrote, entitled, "Bless Storrs," which commented on the UConn campus, students and university environment. The stage was then held by Caitlin Briody, a 10-year-old, who read her published poem, "The Woods." Patrick Briody, a 7-year-old, shared a story he wrote and illustrated entitled, "Chipmunk Learns A Lesson."
"People can benefit by hearing what other people have to say or do," said Katie Callachan, a 3rd-semester undecided major. Many students passed by the stage, curious to see and hear what was taking place.
"It's Open Mic Night which means free speech, free everything," said Erin Donnelly, a 3rd-semester political science major. "I think it's a great idea to have a place where people can express themselves."
Most were unaware of the Open Mic Night opportunity.
"I think its an excellent idea, I just wish more people knew about it," said Allyssa Milan, a 1st-semester psychology major.
Despite the advertisements for First Amendment Events, the Open Mic Night was mostly silent. Two student bands also provided a musical interlude later in the night.
The issue of free speech and the rights we possess as citizens of the United States is a growing concern throughout the country and within UConn. The Summer 2005 edition of UConn Traditions highlighted research done by Kenneth Dautrich, chairman of the department of public policy, and David Yalof, associate professor of political science, on the First Amendment. The article says a, "student survey shows poor knowledge of First Amendment." The article goes on to say, "In the land of the free, American students, teachers and school administrators have a lot to learn about their liberties."
The Open Mic Night and other First Amendment events were sponsored by the Department of Student Activities, WHUS Radio, the Co-op, the Dodd Center, the Journalism Department and the Homer Babbidge Library.
Students, as well as faculty and staff, were invited to share any and all ideas, thoughts and expressions onstage in front of a microphone at the Student Union last night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., allowing 15 minutes per person. Daniel Hutcherson, a 5th-semester communications major, was the emcee for the first annual Open Mic Night.
"The purpose of this open mic night is to provide a place and space for freedom of speech," Hutcherson said.
The Open Mic Night concluded the First Amendment Events program series. The mission statement of the First Amendment Events program encompasses "five events offered as co-educational activities across campus focusing on the rights provided by the First Amendment, how those rights are challenged and how to exercise those rights in an appropriate manner," according to a flyer handed out at the event. The stage provided a zone for free speech, uninhibited by rules or regulations.
Hutcherson commenced the Open Mic Night by reading a blast poem he wrote, entitled, "Bless Storrs," which commented on the UConn campus, students and university environment. The stage was then held by Caitlin Briody, a 10-year-old, who read her published poem, "The Woods." Patrick Briody, a 7-year-old, shared a story he wrote and illustrated entitled, "Chipmunk Learns A Lesson."
"People can benefit by hearing what other people have to say or do," said Katie Callachan, a 3rd-semester undecided major. Many students passed by the stage, curious to see and hear what was taking place.
"It's Open Mic Night which means free speech, free everything," said Erin Donnelly, a 3rd-semester political science major. "I think it's a great idea to have a place where people can express themselves."
Most were unaware of the Open Mic Night opportunity.
"I think its an excellent idea, I just wish more people knew about it," said Allyssa Milan, a 1st-semester psychology major.
Despite the advertisements for First Amendment Events, the Open Mic Night was mostly silent. Two student bands also provided a musical interlude later in the night.
The issue of free speech and the rights we possess as citizens of the United States is a growing concern throughout the country and within UConn. The Summer 2005 edition of UConn Traditions highlighted research done by Kenneth Dautrich, chairman of the department of public policy, and David Yalof, associate professor of political science, on the First Amendment. The article says a, "student survey shows poor knowledge of First Amendment." The article goes on to say, "In the land of the free, American students, teachers and school administrators have a lot to learn about their liberties."
The Open Mic Night and other First Amendment events were sponsored by the Department of Student Activities, WHUS Radio, the Co-op, the Dodd Center, the Journalism Department and the Homer Babbidge Library.