Rules regarding political signage vary across campus

janderson@mndaily.com

With the political season in full swing, signage endorsing candidates are more visible than ever. But if students want to display their political agendas, their ability to do so might hinge on where they live.

University of Minnesota residence halls allow signs in windows, as do fraternity and sorority houses, although many members choose not to put them up. There is no consistent rule, however, among area apartments.

Chemical engineering sophomore Chris Glenski has political signs for Al Franken and Barack Obama in his sixth floor window in Comstock Hall.

Glenski said he was inspired by the people who lived in his room last year because he remembers seeing an Obama sign in their window every day when he went to class.

He also said it was a factor when he was choosing his room, since sophomores get first pick of the rooms and that window is more visible to passers-by.

Glenski, who is also the co-chairman of Students for Al Franken , picked up the Franken sign at a rally over the summer. He also volunteered for the DFL party in his hometown of Rochester, where he got the Obama sign.

Even though Glenski has two signs up in his window, he said he has learned from helping out with the Franken and Obama campaigns that signs don’t make a difference.

“They’re absolutely ineffective,” Glenski said. “They’re a complete waste of time of organizers.”

Glenski said the signs are like a sports fan putting up a sign of their favorite team.

“I like it because it’s kind of a branding effect,” Glenski said. “I’m proud of these candidates and I want to show that pride.”

The fraternity houses along University Avenue are bare of political signage, and Dustin Norman , president of the Interfraternity Council, said even though members are allowed to express themselves politically, a sign in front of the house can be construed as a symbol for the whole house.

“In the houses, every single member has their own political view,” Norman said. “They may not feel comfortable blanketing their entire chapter with one feeling.”

The apartment complexes around campuses have varying degrees of rules regarding political signs.

Melrose Student Suites , Bierman Place Apartments and Keeler Apartments all allow students to put political signs in their windows.

The Dinnaken and Argyle Houses both disallow political signs in the rental contract, but Yvonne Grosulak , vice president of Dinnaken Properties , said they don’t get “crazy” about the rule.

There are a few signs up, she said, but that it’s not a big deal.

Marcy Park Apartments and 1301 University do not allow signs in their tenants’ windows.

John Bilski , a manager of 1301, said it just seems to be the right thing to do.

“In a shared community living environment, you kind of want some neutrality because it’s home and you don’t want to be bombarded with other people’s opinions when you’re walking to the laundry room,” Bilski said.

Jane Kirtley , a journalism professor at the University who specializes in media law, said it is within an apartment building’s right to have rules about political signs.

“Private companies are not subject to the First Amendment,” Kirtley said. “They have no obligation under the Constitution to give their tenants free-speech rights.”

Glenski said political signs are a nice way of seeing other people who agree with his views, but that is the only effect they have.

“I’m pretty sure I won’t change anyone’s opinion with my signs,” Glenski said.