San Francisco State University: Students Investigated for Stepping on Flags
The College Republicans at San Francisco State University thought they were engaging in one of the most important acts of free assembly and expression when they demonstrated against recognized terrorist organizations Hezbollah and Hamas. Unknown to the students, the flags of the two organizations, which were walked over in the demonstration, contain the word "Allah" in Arabic script. Another student complained, alleging "acts of incivility," "intimidation," and the creation of a "hostile environment." The school responded with disciplinary action against the College Republicans. The College Republicans claimed that SFSU's speech codes were facially invalid, and with the help of the Alliance Defense Fund and the support of FIRE's Speech Codes Litigation Project, sued the university. The lawsuit ultimately resulted in an injunction against SFSU, effectively striking down the speech codes for the entire California State University system.
Case Materials
"Victory for Free Expression at San Francisco State University," FIRE Press Release, March 20, 2007: In a crucial victory for free expression, San Francisco State University (SFSU) announced yesterday that its College Republicans will face no punishment for hosting an anti-terrorism rally at which participants stepped on makeshift Hezbollah and Hamas flags. SFSU’s decision comes after months of pressure from FIRE, national and local media, and the public—all of which called on the school to uphold the students’ constitutionally guaranteed right to free expression.
"Free Speech on Trial Today at San Francisco State University," FIRE Press Release, March 9, 2007: Showing brazen disregard for its students’ clearly established constitutional rights, San Francisco State University (SFSU) is putting the College Republicans on trial today for hosting an anti-terrorism rally at which participants stepped on makeshift Hezbollah and Hamas flags. University officials have alleged that the students desecrated the name of Allah, which is written on both flags in Arabic script. The student group’s leadership contacted FIRE for help when they first learned of the school’s investigation.
"San Francisco State University Investigates Students for Anti-Terrorism Protest," FIRE Press Release, February 8, 2007: In a profound display of disrespect for free speech, San Francisco State University (SFSU) is investigating its College Republicans for hosting an anti-terrorism rally on campus in which participants stepped on makeshift Hezbollah and Hamas flags. After students filed a complaint claiming they were offended because the flags bore the word “Allah,” SFSU initiated an investigation into accusations of incitement, creation of a hostile environment, and incivility. Members of the College Republicans then contacted FIRE for assistance.
