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Lawyer for Civil Liberties Group to Assist Students at Hearings Tomorrow
In a letter sent earlier today, the ACLU of Virginia asked Hampton University officials to refrain from punishing seven students accused of violating school policies governing demonstrations and distribution of literature on campus. The letter also recommends that the school revise its rules to expand student free speech rights on campus.
In addition, the ACLU of Virginia announced that its legal director, Rebecca K. Glenberg, will travel to Hampton to advise the seven students prior to and at disciplinary hearings scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.
“In a free society, universities, both public and private, play a critical role in protecting the marketplace of ideas,” said ACLU of Virginia executive director Kent Willis. “We fully understand that as a private school, Hampton University is not literally bound by the First Amendment, but it ought to do everything within reason to respect the spirit of free speech.”
“We not only hope that Hampton University will refrain from punishing these seven students, but that it will use this opportunity to revise its policies on free speech,” added Willis. “ Hampton’s draconian campus speech rules are out of step with other universities.”
According to news reports, on November 2, 2005, seven Hampton University students associated with Amnesty International were part of a student walk-out and teach-in on the issues of New Orleans urban renewal, the AIDS crisis, homophobia, the prison industrial complex, the war in Iraq, and the crisis in Sudan. The primary action taken by students was to stand at the student center and hand out leaflets. Hampton University campus police shut down the event, videotaped the students involved, and seized the ID cards of several students. The seven students are now facing disciplinary action for posting and distributing flyers, “cajoling” students, and holding a campus activity.
Under Hampton University rules, all leaflets and other protest activities by students must be approved in advance. Even then, only recognized student groups qualify to receive permission to engage in such activities. Hampton University has refused to recognize an Amnesty International chapter, despite repeated attempts by students to establish the organization on campus.
The letter sent earlier today from Mr. Willis to Hampton University officials can be found online at: http://acluva.org/wp-content/uploads/2005/12/20051201HUFreeSpeech.pdf.
Contacts: Kent Willis or Rebecca K. Glenberg, 804/644-8022