Table of Contents
The Importance of Truth in Advertising
Here at FIRE, when we talk about the obligations of private universities to protect students’ individual rights, what we most often talk about is the importance of truth in advertising. As private institutions, private colleges and universities have the right to define themselves as they see fit. However, once a university defines itself in a certain way—for example, as an institution that values freedom and equality—it must honor its promises to students who have chosen to attend that university based on its particular self-definition.
Currently, FIRE is challenging Hampton University—which recently denied recognition to a gay and lesbian student group—to live up to its promise of being an institution that supports “equal rights and opportunities for all regardless of age, sex, race, religion, disability, ethnic heritage, socio-economic status, political, social, or other affiliation or disaffiliation, or sexual preference.” Inside Higher Ed covered the Hampton story yesterday, and in the reader comments section of that article, a Hampton student wrote a poignant response to another student’s comment that illustrates the importance of truth in advertising far better than anything I can say:
I understand you think homophobia on the campus isn’t as bad as it is. But as a gay student here at [Hampton], all I can say is you are wrong. You are dead, dead wrong. It hurts being on campus most days. It hurts like hell. And I hope you and the other students in power will really help to change that one day. In the meantime, many of us are suffering. We are regretting we came here under false pretenses of equality. We are sad. (Emphasis added).
Recent Articles
FIRE’s award-winning Newsdesk covers the free speech news you need to stay informed.

AI is new — the laws that govern it don’t have to be
Existing laws and deliberation offer the tools we need to handle emerging technologies, rather than hasty lawmaking.

Defending free speech: FIRE and Substack partner to protect writers in America
America has recently sent a message to foreigners lawfully residing in the country: You can stay here — but only if you give up your freedom of speech

Brown University targets student journalist for sending DOGE-like emails
After a student asked administrators what they did last week, Brown launched an probe based on claims he had “emotionally harmed” several employees

FIRE-supported Utah legislation secures students’ rights to freely associate on campus
Utah Gov. Cox just signed into law HB 390, ensuring religious, political, and ideological student groups can determine their own members and leadership