On Tuesday, the University of Miami’s School of Communication debuted its Common Ground Courtyard Soap Box, a wooden box that members of the UM community can step on to and speak their mind.

President Donna E. Shalala is now one of 400 others in the world to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Established in 1945 by President Truman, the medal is the nation’s highest civilian award and recognizes “exceptional meritorious service.”