Montclair State University: Student Group Faces De-funding for Protected Expression

Case Materials

• "Twin Victories for Free Expression at Montclair State and Central Washington Universities," FIRE Press Release, March 11, 2008: FIRE has successfully intervened to protect the rights of student groups at New Jersey's Montclair State University and Central Washington University after student governments at both universities threatened to de-fund the groups for engaging in constitutionally protected expression. At Montclair State, the Student Government Association (SGA) froze funding to the student newspaper, The Montclarion, in retaliation for the paper's attempts to gain access to closed-door SGA meetings. Meanwhile, at CWU, the College Republicans were investigated and faced possible loss of funding after they posted flyers promoting an on-campus speech by controversial illegal immigration opponent and Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist.
• "Letter from Montclair State University Vice President Karen L. Pennington to FIRE, February 29, 2008," February 29, 2008
• "FIRE's Letter to Montclair State University President Cole, February 26, 2008," February 28, 2008

Blog Entries

• "Twin Victories At Central Washington, Montclair State as First Amendment Trumps Student Government Censorship," William Creeley, March 11, 2008