Members of the public had the chance to speak out on whether the 16 schools in the UNC System need a policy on hate speech.

This comes in light of racist graffiti that was painted on NC State's Free Expressin Tunnel that targeted Barack Obama after he was elected President. On Thursday some told the UNC Commission a hate speech policy is needed on all campuses.

"Students that attend the 16 campuses in the UNC system will feel safer about opening up and sharing themselves with other students without fear of intimidation," said Frank Sturges, UNC-Chapel Hill Senior.

But Katie Parker, Legal Director for the ACLU of North Carolina, said creating the policy would be censorship.

"The First Amendment protects speech now matter how offensive it is, so long as it does not fall into very, very narrow exceptions," said Parker.

In addition to deciding on a hate crime policy, the Commission must also determine if student should take diversity training courses. Many said it's essential.

"My concern is if we don't create diversity programs within our universities, these kids will be even more at risk for further issues coming up in their lives," said David Yazdani, a concerned citizen.

The commission will decide whether to implement the hate speech policy and diversity training program at its meeting on March 31st.

Any changes must be approved by the Board of Governors.