Emory University: Policy Banning Students from Hanging Holiday Decorations

On December 3, 2021, an Emory University administrator informed the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity chapter that the group’s Christmas decorations violated a university policy concerning the installation of holiday decorations. The policy requires “[s]orority lodges and fraternity / themed houses” to “request installation of exterior holiday decorations” before November 1, and prohibits students from installing or removing any such “decorations” themselves. FIRE wrote to Emory on December 22, calling for the university to bring this policy in line with its commitment to protecting students’ expressive rights. FIRE followed up on May 25, 2022, suggesting revisions to the policy that would better protect students’ free speech rights while advancing Emory’s important interests in ensuring student safety and preventing property damage.