The "Community Chalkboard" would have a giant tray for chalk and there would be no restrictions on what could be written on the wall

Free Speech Put to the Test in Jefferson's Backyard

The Charlottesville, Virginia City Council is currently debating whether to allow a private organization to build a 65 feet long, 8 feet high chalkboard on public land across from City Hall as a monument to First Amendment rights.

As proposed by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Freedom of Expression, the "Community Chalkboard" would have a giant tray for chalk and there would be no restrictions on what could be written on the wall. The city government would be prohibited from erasing any of the messages, however the Thomas Jefferson Center would periodically erase the chalkboard to make room for more writings.

Supporters of the chalkboard say it will provide a unique forum for the exchange of ideas and information and will serve as a fitting, interactive monument to the principles Thomas Jefferson stood for.

Opponents decry the wall as an open invitation for graffiti, along with hate-filled messages and profanity. Many opponents would prefer a more traditional statue or monument to free speech, such as a bust of Jefferson or a speaker's podium.

The architects of the chalkboard are parents and realize there may be some writings or drawings on the wall they wouldn't want their children exposed to. However, they plan to educate their children on the importance of protecting all speech, even that which they object to.

UPDATE:

On March 19, the Charlottesville City Council voted 3 -1 with one abstention to give permission to the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression to build its free-speech monument.

City officials will not be allowed to remove or prohibit any messages written on the "community chalkboard", no matter how offensive. While some city council members expressed concern over the chalkboard becoming an avenue for libel, hatred, threats or racial slurs, the vote carried due to the belief that it is "worth the risk."

The monument will be privately funded and will be built and maintained by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression. It will be located across from Charlottesville's City Hall with a view of Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello.

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