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Summary
In 2016, Georgia Gwinnett College officials stopped student Chike Uzuegbunam not once, but twice, from peacefully sharing his Christian faith with fellow students on his college campus. First, officials said he had to get advance permission to use one of two tiny speech zones that made up far less than 1% of the campus and were only open 10% of the week. Despite following these policies, Chike was again prevented from speaking. After ADF challenged the unconstitutional policies, Georgia Gwinnett argued that Chike’s speech should receive no constitutional protection, changed its policy, and claimed it should be able to avoid any penalty for violating Chike’s free speech rights. Two courts agreed. Now the Supreme Court has agreed to hear Chike’s case.
Watch
Religious Freedom
God Changed His Life Then Led Him to the U.S. Supreme CourtWhen Chike Uzuegbunam started college, God changed the trajectory of his life.
Religious Freedom
These 3 Stats Show Why Colleges Must Be Held Responsible for Violating Students’ RightsReal people are harmed when their priceless constitutional rights are taken away. People like Chike.
Culture
Are You Afraid to Share Your Real Opinions? Here’s What You Can Do.A recent survey conducted by the Cato Institute found that about 62 percent of Americans have political views they don’t want to share in the current political climate.
Religious Freedom
Denton v. ThrasherADF attorneys represent student after university fails to address unconstitutional retaliation against him by student government
Religious Freedom
Turning Point USA at Arkansas State University v. RhodesStudent group files suit against Arkansas State for limiting speech to 1% of campus
Life
Caring Families v. City of HartfordCaring Families challenges Hartford law similar to one US Supreme Court struck down
Legal Documents
Biographies
Kristen K. Waggoner
General Counsel
Kristen K. Waggoner serves as General Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom. Her role includes oversight of the U.S. legal division, a team of 100 attorneys and staff who engage in litigation, public advocacy, and legislative support.
John Bursch
Vice President of Appellate Advocacy, Senior Counsel
John Bursch is vice president of appellate advocacy and senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom.
Tyson Langhofer
Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Academic Freedom
Tyson C. Langhofer serves as senior counsel and director of the Center for Academic Freedom with Alliance Defending Freedom.
Additional Resources
One-page summary
SCOTUSblog case page: Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski
Adam Liptak: A College’s ‘Free Speech Areas’ Face Supreme Court Review (The New York Times, 2020-08-17)
John Bursch: Supreme Court to decide if constitutional rights are only valuable when a price tag is on them (Washington Times, 2020-07-15)
Matt Lamb: New Supreme Court case could make it easier for students to defend free-speech rights (The College Fix, 2020-07-14)
Travis C. Barham: Georgia College Remains Unchastened For Saying Handing Out Pamphlets Is ‘Disorderly Conduct’ (The Federalist, 2020-04-27)
Chike Uzuegbunam: Atheists, Jews, Muslims, Catholics all asking Supreme Court to defend rights my college violated (Daily Wire, 2020-04-07)
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