Central Washington University: Student Group Faces De-funding for Protected Expression

FIRE has successfully intervened to protect the rights of a student group at Central Washington University after the student government threatened to de-fund the groups for engaging in constitutionally protected expression. The College Republicans were investigated and faced possible loss of funding after they posted flyers promoting an on-campus speech by controversial illegal immigration opponent and Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist.

    Case Materials

  • "Twin Victories for Free Expression at Montclair State and Central Washington Universities," March 11, 2008: FIRE has successfully intervened to protect the rights of student groups at New Jersey's Montclair State University and Central Washington University after student governments at both universities threatened to de-fund the groups for engaging in constitutionally protected expression. At Montclair State, the Student Government Association (SGA) froze funding to the student newspaper, The Montclarion, in retaliation for the paper's attempts to gain access to closed-door SGA meetings. Meanwhile, at CWU, the College Republicans were investigated and faced possible loss of funding after they posted flyers promoting an on-campus speech by controversial illegal immigration opponent and Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist.
  • "FIRE's Letter to Central Washington University President McIntyre, February 27, 2008," February 27, 2008