We live in an era of broad based, one-size fits all policy decisions when it comes to speech, images, or actions that may be considered to be offensive to other’s. So called zero tolerance policies have been implemented throughout our society and are especially evident in the workplace and in our schools. Political correctness has given way to a society that is in constant fear of being sued for allowing potentially offensive material to be seen at a particular establishment. Despite all of this, I am pleased to report that, our first amendment rights, reason and judgment of situations on a specific basis are alive and well here at MCC.

Recently, in an art class of mine, we were given an assignment in which we were asked to design a surrealistic self portrait. It was a fairly difficult project in my eyes, as we were only to use clippings from magazines to somehow portray ourselves, both in a visual and intellectual sense. Most students did a good job with the project, but in the end two or three students had obviously gone above and beyond with their efforts and had created truly great works. One of those students, who shall remain anonymous for the sake of this article, had created the excellent work you see pictured here.

After wrapping up the class critique, the instructor commented on which pieces stood out above the rest as is the normal course of events in that particular class. It was noted that this artist’s work stood out as the best of the group, but sadly would not be eligible to hang in the hallway due to the image of the gun, as it may be offensive to some. I could understand the concern that was raised and thought it legitimate with the violence which has plagued our nation’s schools in the last decade or so. However, from previous conversations with the artist, I had learned that in that very decade I had just mentioned, he had been serving our country and protecting our freedoms as an airman in the US Air Force, six of those years serving in the Iraq war. I raised the point that the image of the gun, while it may offend some, was this hero’s tool to aid in the defense of our country. It was not arbitrarily thrown into the portrait, but was in fact a large part of his life, a life in which he had answered the call of duty at a time when our country faced a clear and present danger. The discussion ended with an explanation that, unfortunately, the precedent on images with guns had been set in previous years and that was just the way it was.

A couple of weeks had passed since the discussion when in the course of classroom events, the instructor informed us of an announcement that needed to be made. We were told that the issue of the portrait in question had been presented to the school’s administration and after a careful assessment of what exactly the guidelines for the project entailed and a review of the artist’s situation, it would be permitted to hang in the hallway. This was clearly a victory for freedom of expression and I applaud the instructor for having the courage to present this issue to the powers that be, knowing the outcome of similar issues in the past. This case was clearly the exception to the umbrella policy of zero tolerance that would normally be applied to such a situation and our administrators recognized it as such. We should all be proud to attend such an honorable institution and to have, among our ranks, true heroes such as the artist of this particular work and the other men and women of the armed forces who modestly walk the halls with us on a daily basis. I would like to thank all of the MCC students who served our country for their sacrifices.  I salute you!