Arizona State University: Racial Restrictions on Class Enrollment (2002)
After FIRE was notified of advertised racial restrictions on enrollment in a course on Navajo history, Arizona State University declared that two English classes listed on its website as "for Native Americans only" would be open to all students. While the university insisted that this declaration reflected a "long-standing practice" of enrolling students in the classes regardless of race, FIRE uncovered evidence showing the classes were racially segregated for at least eight years.
- "Arizona State University Eliminates Speech Code, Earning FIRE's 'Green Light' Rating," February 1, 2011: This week, Arizona State University (ASU) eliminated its unconstitutional speech code, earning a coveted "green light" rating from FIRE. While more than two-thirds of the nation's colleges maintain policies that clearly and substantially restrict freedom of speech, ASU is now a proud exception, having revised a policy that unconstitutionally restricted the free speech of students and student organizations on campus. With a total enrollment of more than 60,000 students, ASU is the largest university to have a "green light" rating.
- "FIRE Secures End of Racial Enrollment Restrictions at Arizona State University," May 22, 2002: FIRE's efforts have secured legal equality at Arizona State University. When administrators were informed of advertised racial restrictions on enrollment in a course on Navajo history, they acted immediately to remove a racial barrier to learning.
- "Letter from Arizona State University Deputy General Counsel Mary C. Stevens to FIRE, May 8, 2002," May 8, 2002
- "FIRE Letter to Arizona State University President Lattie F. Coor, April 2, 2002," April 2, 2002
Case Materials
- "Arizona State University Eliminates Speech Code, Earning FIRE's 'Green Light' Rating," by Robert Shibley, February 1, 2011
Blog Entries
- "Racial Stricture Removed at ASU,"
by Ellen Sorokin, The Washington Times, May 30, 2002
