YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown State's rock on campus is a symbol for the University where anyone can write what they choose. With Kent State's campus rock repeatedly showing several racial messages over the past week, Youngstown State says free speech comes with a limit.

"If you're trying to use words to bring harm to other people I feel like that's where you're crossing the line," said Kameya Parks, YSU Black Student Union President. 

"Hate speech is definitely not protected under free speech and it's not an absolute right, especially when you're on public property," said Chryshanna Jackson Leftwich, YSU Black Student Union Advisor. 

Back in 2015, YSU's rock had a pro-ISIS message spray painted on it. While university maintenance quickly covered the rock, the University said they couldn't find who did it because of the lack of cameras pointed to the rock.

"Shortly after we put up cameras around the rock in that area so we would be able to identify folks that post," said Eddie Howard, YSU Vice President for Student Affairs. 

It is not considered vandalism when writing on the rock because YSU promotes free speech. Howard said if the rock shows fighting words or violent speech the University would take action by first looking at those cameras to find who wrote the messages.

Howard said if the writing violates the university's student conduct code, actions will be taken through the Office of Student Conduct. 

"When there's purposely people who want to insight issues that's when it becomes a problem," Parks said. 

"We would start the process of determining the violent nature of what was posted and then if the police feel like they need to be involved then the police would take charge and make that decision," Howard said.  

The university said a possible suspension or expulsion could occur depending on the severity of the message.