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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, but the Supreme Court decided to hear Chike’s case and ruled in his favor.
Watch
Religious Freedom
No, Prince Harry, the First Amendment Isn’t “Bonkers”In a new episode of Dax Shepard’s podcast “Armchair Expert,” Prince Harry sharply criticizes the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Religious Freedom
This Student’s Lawsuit Picks Up Where Chike’s Supreme Court Victory Left OffChike’s case was an important victory for free speech on college campuses. But, unfortunately, college officials still have other ways to avoid accountability.
Religious Freedom
The Key Quote From Chike’s Supreme Court Victory and What It MeansThe Supreme Court was Chike’s last shot at justice. Thankfully, the Court delivered that justice, ruling that government officials should be held accountable when they violate someone’s constitutional rights.
Religious Freedom
Young Americans for Liberty at University of Alabama in Huntsville v. The Trustees of the University of Alabama SystemPro-liberty student group sues Univ. of Alabama in Huntsville over unconstitutional speech policies
Religious Freedom
Cross v. Loudoun County School Board
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, Senior Counsel
Senior Counsel, Vice President of Appellate Advocacy
John Bursch, Vice President of Appellate Advocacy with Alliance Defending Freedom. He has argued 12 U.S. Supreme Court and over 30 State Supreme Court cases.
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)