College students outraged that 9/11 memorial flags must be moved from campus lawn

DALLAS, Tex. - In a time of extreme political divide, students both republican and democrat at one Texas college have found something they can agree on.

For the past two years at Southern Methodist University, a campus group has planted thousands of American flags in front of Dallas Hall as a memorial to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

"That's simply contradictory to the very definition of free speech," said Grant Wolf, the Young Americans for Freedom Chairman.

But in July, SMU changed its policy, saying student groups can no longer have displays there.

The lawn has historically hosted tributes and protests from students of all political affiliations. The leaders of two prominent student groups say the policy violates their right to free speech.

"They're basically cornering us into a segment of campus and saying you're not allowed to have a display here because it's triggering, harmful or offensive to students over there," said Drew Wicker, the President of SMU College Republicans.

SMU released a statement saying nearby Momac Park, where displays will be allowed, is larger than the lawn and is along one of the most prominent drives on campus.

The university said it "respects the rights of all campus community members to express their opinions, as well as their right to be free from coercion or harassment."