No policy governs content on UHM boards: No change in policy after sexual assault

By Michelle White

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa does not regulate the content of what goes up on the bulletin boards around cmpus. The boards are considered free speech areas, and postings do not need approval.

The 40-year-old Waikiki resident suspected in a recent sexual assault used the campus bulletin boards to post fliers seeking art models. A UHM student responded to the ads and met the man at an off-campus restaurant. She later accompanied him to his home, where she was sexually assaulted, according to her Honolulu Police Department report.

"Manoa does have guidelines, but there is no one who approves what goes up," UHM spokesperson Carolyn Tanaka said. "There are no plans to change the way bulletin boards are handled."

Students have mixed feelings about the bulletin board policy.

"I think it would be better if things that go on the board were approved first," UHM student Deyna Shiraishi said.

"The boards are okay as long as people are more cautious when responding to ads," business major Gaby Cravalho said.

UHM's bulletin board guidelines regulate the size of posting. As long as postings are not larger than 14-inches by 22-inches, they are allowed on boards.

Other UH system campuses maintain tighter control over their boards.

The University of Hawai'i at Hilo only allows campus-related items to go up on bulletin boards. "We do contact people who post without authorization to tell them that they can't do it," said Nadine Austin of UHH Auxiliary services. "Our boards are not free speech."

Honolulu Community College bulletin boards are designated free speech areas but are closely monitored by the Student Life and Development Office.

"Our policy does not prohibit anything unless it is overtly inappropriate," Emily Kukulies, director of student life and development at HCC, said. "Postings must be stamped and posted by our staff. We remove unauthorized postings almost daily."

"HCC boards are easier to monitor than a large campus like Manoa," said HCC Senate President Patrick Stuart. "Maybe a monitoring system should be put in place."

Kapi'olani Community College Student Life Department handles posting for the college. They use a stamp to keep track of authorized postings and remove any that have not been approved.