University of Utah: Media Policy Restricts Student-Employees’ Right to Speak to Journalists

On January 28, 2021, FIRE wrote to the University of Utah regarding its policy restricting the right of resident advisors and other student-employees to speak to the media. The policy prohibited housing staff from identifying themselves as university employees or discussing the university’s policies, procedures, and activities when communicating with the media. FIRE’s letter argued that the policy infringed on student-employees’ right to speak as private citizens on matters of public concern. On March 22, 2021, the university confirmed that it had revised the policy to eliminate the challenged restrictions and make clear that student-employees may speak to the media as long as they do so in their personal capacities.