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

For the second time in two years, Hampton University 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 wrote a letter to Hampton on urging the university to recognize SPEAK or provide an adequate explanation for effectively banning the group from campus for the next two years.  However, Hampton remains silent on the issue.

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

Media Coverage

• "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

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