Lehigh University: Refusal to Permit Patriotic Displays

Case Materials

• "Lehigh University," October 24, 2001: Two days after the terrorist attacks, the Vice Provost of Student Affairs at Lehigh University, John Smeaton, ordered the removal of the American flag from the campus bus. After adverse publicity, the flag was replaced. The next day, Vice Provost Smeaton publicly apologized for his action.

Media Coverage

• "Stop Funding Campus Anti-Americanism," The Augusta Chronicle, November 2, 2001
• "Tasteless Talk and Terrorism; Free Speech Even Applies to Attacks on Apple Pie," Suzanne Fields, The Washington Times, October 4, 2001
• "Flags-on-Buses Flap is Glimpse into Academia's Values," The Morning Call, September 22, 2001
• "Smeaton Calls Removal of Flag a Mistake," The Brown and White, September 17, 2001