California State University, Long Beach: Student On Probation For Email Criticizing Administrators

In September 2021, CSULB graduate student Aqsa Khan sent an email criticizing the  psychology department. CSULB found her responsible for sending obscene or abusive and intimidating messages and using campus resources to interfere with others’ work. On October 20, FIRE wrote CSULB, arguing that Khan’s criticism of the university is protected by the First Amendment. CSULB dropped the “abusive” messages charge but retained the interference charge. FIRE wrote a second time on October 25, urging the interference charge be dropped as well. CSULB ultimately found Khan responsible for the interference charge and issued her a warning.