Never Say Moist at Wyndover College

Mary Beth Bethune, a student in her first year, anonymously wrote to the President of Wyndover College regarding the word “moist” being used within her dorm, which she found to be repulsive, revolting and sick to her stomach inducing. As the mantra of the President was, “ If it affects you, you need to be part of the process,” this letter started a string of thought leading to the introduction of a programme called Word-Free that enabled students whom are deeply offended or affected by words to submit them to the college so that they can be banned from use in the dorms. 

A seemingly straight forward, good intentioned idea to stop offensive words being used and to “... make sure [the students] feel comfortable and belong,” instead bought forward a whole host of questions, problems, development of departments and sub departments and committees in an ever evolving entity, that wasn’t wholly accepted or agreed by those whom were expected to use and enforce the rules. Including a secret someone whom would mock the very idea of banning words in an educational establishment that was meant to provide a safe ground for free speech, thought and question, through displaying and fly postering texts of quotes and song.

The word list grew and grew, questions over location of use of these offending words became apparent, the difference between staff and students use of the words, suitability within academic lectures, writing and text, the acceptability or control of use around the rest of the college as a whole. Introducing the banned words list into their regulations. Monitoring and punishment if the listed words were used. Questions of monitoring or controlling those from outside of the college whom come to the college and use the banned  words on college grounds. Use of the offending words when abroad, and during sports. The list even pulled up questions over country and people names...

What started out as good intentions by the President of Wyndover College, soon turns into an anxiety inducing, all in cumbersome, mocking minefield of do’s and don’ts in this tale of censorship. 

An enjoyably, fairly quick read that is both fascinating and insightful. 

Change the staff, change the censorship!

What a terrific book! And very timely. This is a glimpse inside the ivory tower bureaucracy of academe. While Wyndover College is fictitious, it could be any higher ed school today. From the college president and administrative heads to the professors to the local police and custodian, everyone seems to have the best interests of the students in mind. But what is best? And how do you make it work? Jackson gives each character a unique voice and believable perspective. For anyone who wonders how and why some unusual policies are enacted on college campuses, this book will give you a little insight.