To the editor:

Since coming to the University of Kansas in 1967, I have known its campus always to have been a site where a wide diversity of opinions could be expressed in many ways. Over time, KU’s open campus has inspired marches, poster displays, art works and read-outs. Diverse speakers often stand publicly on Wescoe Beach proclaiming multiple points of view. Collectively, these many expressions are manifestations of the principle of freedom of speech, as guaranteed by the First Amendment in our national Constitution.

Thus, Gov. Jeff Colyer’s demand that the University remove the flag, a work of art based on the American flag, in my opinion, contradicts the principle of freedom of speech. It also defies my understanding of the university as an institution dedicated to encouraging free expression as a critical means of inspiring clear and creative thought. This particular artwork, the last in a series of flags hoisted on the KU campus, instead of desecrating the American flag, as some have asserted, is a catalyst by which American values may be explored more fully, be contemplated more deeply. It is deeply discouraging that both the governor and this newspaper, in its editorial of July 12, have not supported the importance of this work of art as a catalyst for understanding our nation’s and KU’s commitment to free, enlightened and thoughtful speech. It is noteworthy and encouraging that at institutions in other parts of the country, this flag, this evocative work of art, remains flying high.

I commend the Spencer Museum of Art for continuing to display this final flag in the series of flags, which they, in conjunction with The Commons and the Natural History Museum at KU, have been committed to showing since early this year in the interests of encouraging discussion of what flags might signify and of what patriotism might be.

Elizabeth Schultz,

Lawrence