FIRE Letter to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, August 28, 2023

School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Graduate Student Investigated for Expressing Religious Beliefs

On July 20, 2023, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduate student Ann Gould presented artwork, which cited the biblical passage 1 Timothy 4:20. The following day, another student approached her and asked if Gould believed the student was going to hell for having gay sex, in response to which Gould tried to change the subject. That student then filed a Title IX complaint against Gould, who was told by an administrator during investigation of the complaint that Gould does not have free speech at SAIC due to the institution's commitment to diversity. FIRE wrote SAIC on August 28, explaining that its investigation of Gould raised First Amendment concerns because notifying students of unmeritorious Title IX claims chills speech, and that stating that students lack freedom of speech at SAIC conflicts with the institution’s promises written into SAIC policies.

FIRE Second Letter to Ashland University, September 18, 2023

Free speech luminaries talk censorship, civil rights, and social media at National First Amendment Summit

‘It’s too easy to define yourself by what outrages you,’ said author Salman Rushdie at the event. ‘It’s necessary for us to understand that you have to allow the speech of those you don’t like.’

Daytona State College: Cancellation of Art Exhibit Raises Censorship Concerns

FIRE joins advocacy groups to urge Daytona State to reschedule an art exhibit after reports question whether it was canceled due to concerns about its content.

Washington College: Protesters Disrupt, Force Cancellation of Event Featuring Princeton Professor

FIRE calls on Washington College to do more than just criticize disruptors of Professor Robert George’s speech.

The heckler’s veto strikes again — this time, at Washington College

Protesters at Maryland’s Washington College allegedly disrupted a campus speaker so substantially that the event was forced to end early.

FIRE Letter to Washington College, September 14, 2023

University of Colorado, Boulder: DEI Statement Required for Faculty Positions

CU Boulder requires faculty applicants to detail how their pedagogy will contribute to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ashland University Response to FIRE, September 13, 2023