Catholic University of America: Rejection of Campus NAACP Chapter
The Catholic University of America (CUA) denied official approval to a group of students wishing to start a campus chapter of the NAACP. Despite university policies that protect student freedoms of dissent and expression, CUA argued that the existence of two other minority groups on campus made the group unnecessary. Facing pressure from FIRE and a threat of litigation from the NAACP, CUA finally decided to officially recognize the campus chapter.
- "Victory for Freedom at Catholic University of America," October 13, 2004: The Catholic University of America has finally decided to officially recognize a campus chapter of the NAACP. Administrators initially tried to justify their decision to deny the group recognition through claims that it was "unnecessary" because two other minority groups already existed on campus. Facing pressure from FIRE and a threat of litigation from the NAACP, the university's reversal signals that it is now prepared to honor its own policies protecting and promoting student freedoms.
- " FIRE Calls on Catholic University of America to Recognize Student Chapter of the NAACP," August 10, 2004: The Catholic University of America (CUA) has denied official approval to a group of students wishing to open a campus chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Despite university policies that protect student freedoms of dissent and expression, CUA has argued that the existence of two other minority groups on campus make the group unnecessary.
- "FIRE's Letter to Catholic University of America," June 30, 2004
- "Letter from Catholic University of America Vice President Frank G. Persico to FIRE, June 30, 2004," June 30, 2004
Case Materials
- "Catholic University Reverses Decision on Student NAACP Chapter,"
by Melanie Hunter, Cybercast News Service, October 14, 2004 - "Catholic U. Reverses Ban on NAACP Chapter, Avoiding Threatened Lawsuit,"
by Daniel Engber, The Chronicle of Higher Education, October 13, 2004
