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Benedict students claim they're being silenced
Posted: 03.29.2010 at 11:52 PM
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Students say even when they're off their downtown Columbia campus, college officials have told them not to speak to the media.

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COLUMBIA -- Last week, we told you about a break-in at a Garner's Crossing apartment complex.

One student says she woke up to a man groping her, she started screaming, and that's when she claims the man ran off.

Benedict leases the apartments as dorms, and they, along with the Columbia City Police, are investigating.

Several residents were concerned, but they claim Benedict officials told them they are not allowed to talk to the media about it, and that worries them even more.

Students say even when they're off their downtown Columbia campus, college officials have told them not to speak to the media.

"That's your choice if you want to talk, by all means go ahead," said one student.

"I think a lot of parents don't know what's going on with there kids at school, so I think the media plays a big part in it," added another.

"I don't know why they say we shouldn't," another says.  "It makes me feel they're hiding something."

Students say they received an email from college officials telling them to keep quiet.

Constitution Law Attorney Jay Bender says even though students are upset, Benedict isn't doing anything wrong.

"It's not uncommon for people in private settings to be concerned that their right of free speech has been abridged by a private entity," Bender explains.

He says private institutions, like Benedict College, can play by a different set of rules.

"The constitution is a limitation on the government, federal and state, but private entities don't have the similar limitations.

We spoke with Benedict officials and they say the policy of Benedict College is, "All media interviews and requests are made through the Office of Communication and Marketing."

They say they are unaware of any email circulating, but Bender reminds us that the policy doesn't break the law.

"Private entities can't violate free speech rights by saying you can't speak here," he says.

Regardless of the law, the students we talked to say they want their voice heard.

"Say what you want to say, your opinion matters.  You might say something someone needs to hear," says an unnamed student.

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