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Stanford University: Education Program Tries to Keep Outspoken Student from Enrolling, Demands Access to Private Blog

Cases

Stanford University

Case Overview

FIRE Victory closed

Stanford University’s Teacher Education Program (STEP) finally let dissenting student-blogger Michele Kerr graduate on June 14, 2009. When Stanford tried to revoke Kerr’s admission after she voiced disagreement with “progressive” views held by STEP administrators, Kerr turned to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) for help. Kerr sought FIRE’s aid a second time after Stanford School of Education administrators demanded the password to her private blog and threatened to expel her for her opinions and teaching philosophy. The shameful story of Kerr’s travails was featured online in The Washington Post by education columnist Jay Mathews.

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