After public outcry, UMich ditched its private spy firm — but the damage is done. Students may no longer be watched, but the chill on campus speech is alive and well.
FIRE filed an amicus brief in support of University of Maryland Students for Justice in Palestine challenging the ban on all student-led expressive events scheduled for Oct. 7.
Does the First Amendment allow public universities to ban students from erecting tents and camping on school property? While campus encampments are expressive conduct, that’s not the end of the story.
Universities seeking to discipline students must live up to their promises and obligations to provide fair proceedings. If they don’t, they can expect to hear from FIRE.
With Israeli-Palestinian campus protests spreading nationwide, the ability to distinguish between peaceful protest, civil disobedience, and genuine misconduct is as important now as ever.
