Johns Hopkins University: Student Punished for Party Invitation
After weeks of public pressure, Johns Hopkins University reduced its draconian punishment of student Justin Park, who posted an "offensive" "Halloween in the Hood" party invitation on Facebook. The university concluded Park's appeal, and he is satisfied with the outcome. FIRE is, nonetheless, troubled that any punishment remains and Johns Hopkins remains on FIRE's Red Alert list.
Case Materials
"FIRE Exposes Unrepentant Abusers of Liberty in ‘U.S. News’ College Rankings Issue," FIRE Press Release, August 25, 2008: The 2009 edition of U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Colleges issue, released today, includes a full-page advertisement from FIRE highlighting the five colleges and universities that have earned FIRE's Red Alert distinction for being the "worst of the worst" when it comes to liberty on campus. Students should think twice before choosing to attend Red Alert schools, which include Brandeis University, Colorado College, Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, and Valdosta State University.
"Johns Hopkins University Resolves ‘Halloween in the Hood’ Case; Students’ Rights Remain in Jeopardy," FIRE Press Release, January 8, 2007: After weeks of public pressure, Johns Hopkins University has reduced its draconian punishment of student Justin Park, who posted an “offensive” Halloween party invitation on Facebook.com. The university has concluded Park’s appeal, and he is satisfied with the outcome, but FIRE is troubled that any punishment remains. Moreover, FIRE believes that the university’s conduct throughout this case—and throughout 2006 in general—leaves serious doubts about whether students at Hopkins have even the most minimal rights to free speech and due process.
"Johns Hopkins University Suspends Student for One Year for 'Offensive' Halloween Invitation," FIRE Press Release, November 30, 2006: Johns Hopkins University has suspended a student for an entire year for posting Halloween party invitations that some students found offensive on Facebook.com. After the university found 18-year-old junior Justin Park guilty of failing to respect the rights of others, harassment, and intimidation, among other charges, Park sought help from FIRE.
"FIRE in ‘The Baltimore Sun’ on Censorship at Johns Hopkins University," Samantha Harris, November 30, 2006: FIRE’s criticism of Johns Hopkins University for its blatant disregard for free speech has gained the attention of the Baltimore media. TheBaltimore Sunreported today on Hopkins’ one-year suspension of student Justin Park, who was punished for posting an “offensive” invitation to his fraternity's Halloween party on Facebook.com. The article also reported on the letter that FIRE sent the university to protest the severe sanctions imposed upon Park simply for engaging in expression. Hopkins found Park guilty of harassment and intimidation and suspended him until January 2008. The university, which holds itself out as a “forum for the free expression of ideas,” also ordered Park to complete 300 hours of community service, to read 12 books and write a reflection paper on each, and to attend diversity training.
"Looking back at a crisis, one year later," Max McKenna, Johns Hopkins News-Letter, November 2, 2007: One year later, few substantive changes have been made within the University in response to the controversial Halloween in the ‘Hood party.
