University of Alabama: Faculty Senate ‘Hate Speech’ Resolution

The University of Alabama (UA) Student Senate passed a "free speech" resolution that directly opposes a "hate speech" resolution previously passed by UA's Faculty Senate. The students' move comes after close consultation with the FIRE, and the resolution follows an open letter FIRE sent to the UA community to protest the faculty's proposed regulations. After UA's Faculty Senate resolution condemning hate speech, FIRE wrote an open letter to UA in opposition to the hate speech resolution reminding UA that the policy restrictions were unconstitutional and recommended the Faculty Senate rescind the resolution. Heeding FIRE's advice, the Student Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of free speech, demonstrating that many individuals on campuses still believe in upholding free speech despite the possibility of offense.