Institute of American Indian Arts: College Disciplines Student Journalist for Editorial Decision

In spring 2024, the Institute of American Indian Arts disciplined student David McNicholas for alleged bullying because, as senior editor of the Young Warrior student magazine, he published anonymous student editorials critical of two IAIA administrators. On January 2, FIRE wrote IAIA, a public college, asking it to rescind any remaining sanctions on McNicholas because the First Amendment protects the freedom of the press to publish vehement criticism of government officials. FIRE also urged IAIA to revise its overbroad and vague anti-bullying policy because it barred a substantial amount of constitutionally protected expression.