Sterling College: Faculty Members Punished for Discussing Faculty Issues Over Email, Speaking to The Media

In February 2025, Sterling College issued disciplinary warnings to two faculty members because they criticized the employee handbook to colleagues and publicly commented about issues with the administration’s communication with faculty on Sterling’s campus. FIRE first wrote Sterling College on April 3, 2025, explaining that while the college is a private, religious institution, its promises of free expression protect professors’ right to comment on matters of public concern and institutional governance. When Sterling did not respond, FIRE wrote the college and its Board of Trustees on May 8, reiterating our free speech concerns.