University of Virginia: Resident Assistants Allegedly Prohibited from Speaking to Press Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

In September 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, RAs at the University of Virginia reported to the student newspaper that they were barred from speaking to the press. FIRE wrote to UVA asking for clarification and reminding the university that it cannot constitutionally place a blanket ban on the RAs speaking with reporters. After receiving FIRE’s letter, UVA revised its policy to make clear that RAs retain the right to speak to the press in their individual capacities.