Skip to main content

- What We Do
- What we defend
- Have your rights been violated?
  If you face retaliation over protected speech, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
  Submit a Case
- Make a difference
- Be an Advocate
- FIRE Student Network
  FIRE’s 2022 College Free Speech Rankings are based on the voices of more than 44,000 currently enrolled students at 208 colleges and are designed to help parents and prospective students choose the right school.
  Build Your Network
- FIRE Legal Network
  The FIRE Legal Network is a nationwide group of attorneys to whom we refer cases when counsel is necessary and the matter at issue falls outside the scope of FIRE’s mission or ability to assist.
  Join the Network
- Resources
- College Free Speech Rankings
  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2024 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
  Explore Rankings
- Learn with FIRE
  Learn with FIRE provides learners with the opportunity to take courses on a wide range of topics, including free speech and due process, designed by our expert staff. Check out our library of resources to get started on your First Amendment journey!
  Get Started
Colleges
News
Cases
About Us
Submit a Case

Table of Contents

Associated Press on Columbia Hockey Case

by

Emily Guidry

October 2, 2006

On Wednesday, FIRE sent a letter to Columbia University calling for President Lee Bollinger to reinstate the men’s hockey club. The club’s season had been suspended because it posted flyers around campus that contained the phrase “Don’t be a pussy, play Columbia hockey.” The phrase is a play on the school’s mascot, the Columbia Lions, and has been used in other Columbia events, including a school-approved 2004 Homecoming T-shirt saying “We eat PUSSYcats like you for breakfast.”

Since then, the Associated Press has covered the story, and we expect more media attention to follow this case. Stay tuned to The Torch and FIRE’s media coverage page for updated information on the situation at Columbia as we continue to fight for students’ rights there.

Recent Articles

FIRE’s award-winning Newsdesk covers the free speech news you need to stay informed.

Radford University is the latest school to receive a rare “green light” rating from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

Totally rad: Radford University earns top rating for free speech

December 5, 2023

Radford University is the latest school to receive a rare “green light” rating from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

Shelf of books with a locked chain in front of it

Texas law turns booksellers into censors

December 1, 2023

'READER Act' forces booksellers to blacklist books based on vague standards. FIRE is asking the Fifth Circuit to put a stop to it.

A child waves the flag of Israel at a rally during the March for Israel in Washington on the National Mall

To combat anti-Semitism, House bill chips away at free speech

November 30, 2023

An amendment before the U.S. House impermissibly threatens the expressive rights of students and faculty across the country.

UMass Boston sign

VICTORY: UMass Boston quietly removes DEI requirements from faculty applications

November 30, 2023

The University of Massachusetts Boston has eliminated mandates for faculty applicants to express particular views about diversity, equity, and inclusion after months of back-and-forth with FIRE.

Share

Share this selection via email