Austin Peay State University’s Spirit Rock, a long-standing campus tradition known for student expression, now has a camera placed nearby.
The Spirit Rock, installed in August 2017, was created to give students and organizations an outlet for creativity and a way to show Peay Pride. Located near the corner of Drane Street and Marion Street, the rock has been used for event announcements, messages of support and general campus expression.
Recently, a camera was added near the Spirit Rock by the Student Government Association (SGA) to ensure students are following established guidelines.
“Some people felt like whatever they painted on the Spirit Rock wasn’t staying up for the amount of time it’s supposed to,” said Kunia Pullen, SGA senator and speaker pro tempore. “People were coming in and painting over it early, so we wanted to make it fair for all students.”
In an email sent to student organizations, campus leadership confirmed the addition of the camera and emphasized that it is intended to help ensure guidelines are followed. The message also reminded students that all existing Spirit Rock policies remain in place, including dating paintings and allowing 72 hours before repainting.
The Spirit Rock is governed by a set of guidelines that allow students, organizations and departments to paint messages, as long as they follow university policies. Messages are expected to remain in good taste, follow the Govs Creed and avoid any discriminatory or inappropriate content.
“I believe it’s 72 hours before another group can paint over it, and no one should paint over it until that time is up,” Pullen said.
According to Pullen, the camera was added to help enforce fairness and ensure students have the opportunity to keep their messages visible.
“Students at Austin Peay have a right to have what they put on the Spirit Rock stay up for that set amount of time,” Pullen said. “We just want to respect all students.”
The addition of a camera introduces a new element to the space, which has traditionally been seen as a student-driven form of communication on campus. The Spirit Rock represents creativity and expression for students across campus.
