War on Drugs Exhibition Starts Free Speech Battle

By Shawn Healy

An October 5th article in the Chicago Tribune details the evolving free speech controversy unfolding on the grounds of the Museum of Science and Industry. Pete Guither's attempt to distribute literature contesting the content of an exhibit sponsored by the U.S. DEA was first moved outside the museum doors, then to a more remote location with little pedestrian traffic, and ultimately forbidden on the grounds of unpermitted commercial speech. The latter charge borders on the ridiculous, and our museum has decided to elicit visitor feedback on this issue in our exhibit and on Fanning the Flames. Please read the article referenced above, and respond to the following questions:

Please share your thoughts with us regarding Mr. Guither's free speech rights on the public grounds of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Should he be able to hand out pamphlets inside the exhibit, outside the museum's doors, in a location with less pedestrian traffic, or not at all? How does the First Amendment guide your reasoning?