San Diego State University: Censorship of Pro-American Student Speech

Zewdalem Kebede, an international student at San Diego State University, verbally engaged several students when he observed them expressing a pro-terrorist position in Arabic. Although Kebede was never formally charged, he was warned that future "abusive" incidents would result in, "serious disciplinary action." FIRE responded with a letter to UCSD President Stephen Weber.

    Case Materials

  • "San Diego State University," October 24, 2001: At San Diego State University, an international student, Zewdalem Kebede, overheard several other students, speaking loudly in Arabic, express delight about the terrorist attacks. Kebede engaged the students and, in Arabic, challenged their positions. Kebede was accused by San Diego State University of abusive behavior toward the four students. A University judicial officer formally admonished Kebede and warned him that "future incidents [will result in] serious disciplinary sanctions." FIRE has written to University president Stephen Weber about Kebede's rights and about Weber's obligations to the Constitution.
  • "FIRE's letter to President Weber," October 23, 2001