Thomas v. Leagle

Ashland University: Student Newspaper Advisor Dismissed and Publication Subjected to Prior Review, Raising Academic Freedom and Free Press Uncertainty

Within hours of an administrator criticizing the student newspaper The Collegian, Ashland dismissed its adviser, citing concerns that his “approach” to journalism was “problematic for Ashland.”

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.

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.

PETA v. Tabak

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.

Damiano v. Grants Pass School District. No. 7

It is well settled that a public school cannot punish a teacher for speaking out as a private citizen on school issues. Yet a federal court in Oregon said the opposite and ruled that school officials were protected by qualified immunity for doing so.

Community College of Baltimore County: Policies Require Use of Preferred Pronouns, Prevent Employees from Speaking to the Press

One problematic CCBC policy mandates faculty and students use preferred names and pronouns, while another forces employees to seek permission before speaking to media.

Vidal v. Elster

Steve Elster applied to register a trademark saying “TRUMP TOO SMALL.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected his application under 15 U.S.C. § 1502(c) because Elster did not receive permission from former president Trump to use his name in a trademark.