Facing a serious accusation at a university can feel overwhelming, but when the accusation is anonymous, it can be even more difficult to defend yourself. Colleges and universities have their own procedures for handling complaints, but anonymous reports raise unique questions, and students need to be on guard to make…
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In a pivotal victory for academic freedom and the First Amendment, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a major decision recently in Kilborn v. Amiridis, holding that public university professors retain strong free speech rights when it comes to teaching and scholarship. The decision aligns the…
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Students often take to social media, online review platforms, or even personal blogs to share their thoughts about professors, campus policies, and academic experiences. Some posts are glowing; others, not so much. However, when a student’s online comment about a faculty member crosses into critical or negative territory, you may…
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If you’re involved in a Title IX investigation, whether as a complainant, respondent, or witness, one of the first questions you may have is how your privacy will be protected. Title IX cases often involve sensitive and deeply personal issues, and the fear of public exposure can prevent individuals from…
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As a student or faculty member, you may feel that your personal website or blog is a private space to express your views, share experiences, or explore controversial topics. But what happens when your university takes issue with what you've written? Can a school legally discipline someone for speech made…
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In recent years, the use of trigger warnings and the establishment of safe spaces on college campuses have sparked heated debates about free speech and academic freedom. While some argue that these practices promote inclusivity and protect mental health, others claim they suppress open discourse and stifle intellectual diversity. That…
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Universities have long been spaces for political discourse, debate, and activism. But in today’s polarized climate, students, faculty, and staff may wonder if expressing political views on campus can lead to serious consequences like expulsion or termination. If you are facing disciplinary action for political speech, it is essential to…
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Facing disciplinary action at a college or university can be overwhelming, especially if you believe the process was unfair. Students accused of misconduct often face inadequate or one-sided procedures that lack due process. If you believe you’ve been subjected to an unfair disciplinary process on campus, please continue reading and…
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College campuses have long been centers for activism, debate, and political expression. Whether protesting government policies, university decisions, or social issues, students have the right to express themselves consistent with the First Amendment or, at private universities, with university policy. However, universities—particularly public institutions—must balance free expression with campus order.…
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Free speech is a cornerstone of higher education, fostering intellectual debate and academic discovery. However, the rights of professors and students are not identical when it comes to free speech, especially in the context of public universities. Professors face unique legal standards that balance their roles as educators and employees…
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Compelled speech is a complex and often misunderstood concept in the realm of free expression, particularly in higher education. It refers to situations where the government (including governmental entities such as state universities) requires you to express ideas or beliefs you may not agree with, and it can be a…
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Free speech is a fundamental right in higher education, but its scope and protections vary significantly between public and private universities. Understanding these differences is essential for students facing censorship or punishment of their speech on campus. Continue reading and reach out to the academic freedom lawyers here at Allen…
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Last month, a Pennsylvania federal judge denied Carnegie Mellon University’s motion to dismiss Title VI discrimination and retaliation claims brought by a Jewish student alleging that she was subjected to antisemitic discrimination at the university*. This is an important ruling, particularly in light of the rise in antisemitism on campus…
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