College campuses are traditionally a place where young adults can become citizens, exchanging ideas and engaging in political activism. But in April 2013 Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City adopted a “campus expression” policy that threatened to severely restrict free speech.
According to the new policy, all “expressive activity” on campus was relegated to special free speech zones, and even within those zones such activity was prohibited unless the college administration first granted a permit.
In August 2013 the ACLU of Michigan wrote the college a letter explaining that such restrictions were a clear violation of the First Amendment. The college’s board of trustees put the policy on hold so it could consider the matter further.
(ACLU Attorney Dan Korobkin and Law Student Intern Andrew Goddeeris; Cooperating Attorney Steve Morse.)
To view the full 2013-2014 Legal Docket, click here.