Free Speech Advocates Threaten Legal Action Over Penn State University’s Unconstitutional Limitations on Students’ Political Activities

STATE COLLEGE, Penn. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has joined the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression in raising concerns over free speech issues at Pennsylvania State University. Today, the organizations sent a letter to the president of the university raising legal concerns over Penn State’s restrictions of political activity by students on campus.

Following reports last month that the university had removed political advertising from its student newspaper, the Daily Collegian, FIRE sent a letter of concern to the university. More recently, the university has placed restrictions on student political activity on campus like tabling in communal areas and door-to-door canvassing, prompting ACLU-PA to join FIRE in sending today’s letter.

“Political expression, especially related to elections, is at the core of First Amendment protections,” said Witold Walczak, legal director at the ACLU of Pennsylvania. “As such, Penn State’s restrictions on political activity by students on campus violates not only the University’s own policies, but also the U.S. Constitution.”

“Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are on the ballot — but students’ rights are not,” said Jessie Appleby, an attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. “The right of students to canvass for their preferred candidate and register voters is always crucial, but especially so in the final weeks of a tight election. Students should be encouraged to be politically engaged in the presidential race, rather than face administrative hurdles.”

You can read the letter to Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi here.

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