Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech): Ban on Certain Viewpoints and Requirement of Prior Approval for Speech
The Attorney General of Virginia's Office concluded that a new resolution from the Board of Visitors of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) that threatened freedom of speech and assembly at that public institution was unconstitutional and recommended that it not be implemented. The resolution would have declared that no individuals or organizations could meet on university property "if it can be determined that such persons or organizations advocate or have participated in illegal acts of domestic violence and/or terrorism," required all individuals or groups planning to hold a meeting to seek "approval [from] the President of the university at least 30 days in advance," and given the president of Virginia Tech "final decision-making power to determine who can meet on university property." FIRE wrote the Board of Visitors to protest the policy, as well as the Attorney General, who according to the resolution had the final say in its legality. The Attorney General found the policy unconstitutional.
- "Victory for Free Speech and Free Association at Virginia Tech," March 27, 2003: On March 10, 2003, the Board of Visitors of Virginia Tech passed a resolution that seriously threatened freedom of speech and association at that public institution. FIRE intervened, and the office of Virginia’s attorney general now has decided that the policy should be rescinded.
- "Letter from the Office of Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore to Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger and Rector John G. Rocovich, March 19, 2003," March 19, 2003
- "FIRE Letter to Virginia Polytechnic Institute Board of Visitors, March 14, 2003," March 14, 2003
Case Materials
- "Runaway Board? Unilateral actions at Virginia Tech raise questions about the proper role of trustee,"
by Megan Rooney and Thomas Bartlett, The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 28, 2003
