Texas A&M University: Administrators Threaten Autonomy of Student-Run Orientation Camp

In fall 2021, Texas A&M University administrators informed students of changes to Fish Camp, a student-run orientation camp and the registered student organization that runs the camp. The changes included rewriting the group’s stated values and mandating administrative approval of its leadership selections, and were imposed without consulting students or an explanation from the university. On May 9, 2022, FIRE wrote TAMU explaining that administrative efforts to take over Fish Camp violate students’ expressive associational rights, and that such burdens on the student group cannot be imposed without a compelling university interest. On May 17, TAMU responded, dismissing FIRE’s concerns.