Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech): Ban on Certain Viewpoints and Requirement of Prior Approval for Speech

The Attorney General of Virginia's Office concluded that a new resolution from the Board of Visitors of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) that threatened freedom of speech and assembly at that public institution was unconstitutional and recommended that it not be implemented. The resolution would have declared that no individuals or organizations could meet on university property "if it can be determined that such persons or organizations advocate or have participated in illegal acts of domestic violence and/or terrorism," required all individuals or groups planning to hold a meeting to seek "approval [from] the President of the university at least 30 days in advance," and given the president of Virginia Tech "final decision-making power to determine who can meet on university property." FIRE wrote the Board of Visitors to protest the policy, as well as the Attorney General, who according to the resolution had the final say in its legality. The Attorney General found the policy unconstitutional.