The University explanation of free speech may not resonate with worried parents whose gay or lesbian child attends the University of Idaho. Tribal councils across the state may feel betrayed that the University of Idaho willingly rents facilities to a speaker who describes them as “cannibals” and “pagans;” or, they may justly feel that tribal members are being deliberately marginalized and publicly humiliated by such statements. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints will not welcome the bigoted characterization that their religion is a “cult.”

Happily, the guidelines provided by the Board of Regents for renting facilities are practical, straight forward, defendable, and applicable to this situation.

“Idaho State Board of Education Policies and Procedures
Section I Governing Policies & Procedures

J. Use of Institutional Facilities and Services with Regard to the Private Sector Use of Institutional Facilities and Services

a. Consistent with education's primary responsibilities of teaching, research, and public service, the institutions, under the governance of the State Board of Education and Board of Regents of the University of Idaho (Board), have and will continue to provide facilities and services for educational purposes. Such services and facilities, when provided, should be related to the mission of the institution and not directly competitive with services and facilities reasonably available from the private sector. The institutions’ provision of services and facilities should be educationally related. In addition, the Board recognizes that the institutions have a role in assisting community and economic development in a manner that supports the activities of the private sector. To this end, cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies is encouraged. “ (emphasis added)

…b. Priority and guidelines for use of institutional services and facilities is as follows:

(1) Institutionally sponsored programs and projects.
(2) Community programs or projects of an educational nature where the services or facilities provided by the institutions are directly related to the teaching, research, or service mission of the institution.
(3) Local, state, or federally sponsored programs and projects.”
(emphasis added)