Allegheny County Free Speech Case Hits Associated Press, NRA News

FIRE's press release yesterday detailed our efforts to restore freedom of speech and association at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), where a student attempting to launch a chapter of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus was blocked by college administrators. They told her that she could not even try to start her club on campus, that her attempts to persuade people about her beliefs counted as unlawful solicitation, and that she could face disciplinary action.

FIRE wrote the CCAC administration on April 29, but we have only received a short note saying that a response would be forthcoming. After waiting two weeks for an additional response, FIRE has taken this troubling situation to the public.

The case has already attracted immense attention from the blogosphere, and the local press is beginning to take notice as well. The Associated Press has picked up the story and NRA News, the media arm of the National Rifle Association, has mentioned the case on its Twitter page, with more likely to come.

In addition to a slew of reporting on the case, concerned citizens have begun to weigh in on the case in a big way. Dozens of supporters have already written to the college administration demanding that CCAC respect the First Amendment and reverse course. I encourage every reader to take a look at our press release, arm themselves with the facts of the case, and then contact the administration. Please explain that you simply cannot abide such a blatant abuse of power and disregard for the Constitution. You can also help us out by posting information on the case on Facebook or Twitter or by submitting our press release to social bookmarking sites like Digg, StumbleUpon, or Delicious.

A few minutes of your time will keep up the pressure on CCAC and ensure that justice is reached in this case.