Hampton University: Gay and Lesbian Student Group Denied Recognition Without Explanation

Case Materials

"Hampton University Denies Recognition to Gay and Lesbian Student Group Without Explanation," FIRE Press Release, February 22, 2007: For the second time in two years, Hampton University has inexplicably denied official recognition to students seeking to start a gay and lesbian group on campus. The group, Students Promoting Equality, Action and Knowledge (SPEAK), contacted FIRE, which is calling on Hampton to either explain or reverse its decision.
"FIRE Letter to Hampton University President William R. Harvey, February 7, 2007," February 7, 2007
"Letter from Interim Director of Student Activities Patra Johnson to SPEAK, December 20, 2006," December 20, 2006
"SPEAK Constitution, Submitted to the Office of Student Activities, October 3, 2006," October 3, 2006
"Hampton University Student Code of Conduct," September 1, 2006

"Hampton’s philosophy: ‘Don't speak’," Michael Paul Williams, Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 26, 2007
"No room for a gay group," Elia Powers, Inside Higher Ed, February 26, 2007