Michigan State University: Program of Thought Reform

Students undergoing Michigan State University’s disciplinary process faced the potential requirement of attending the school’s “Student Accountability in Community Seminar.” According to program materials, the program was an “early intervention” for students who used “power-and-control tactics,” such as “male/white privilege.” Students were also required to complete written questionnaires stating how they were taking “full responsibility” for engaging in constitutionally-protected speech. A student could be required to fill out the questionnaires multiple times before an administrator deemed their answers “correct.” The university would prohibit students from registering for new courses until they completed the program. In November 2006, FIRE sent a letter to the school demanding a complete end to the program. In May 2007, the university ended the program.