Contact information:
The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal
Jenna A. Robinson, President
919-828-1400
jarobinson@jamesgmartin.center
Release date:
October 25, 2021
THE MARTIN CENTER STANDS WITH FIRE AND THE COLLEGE REPUBLICANS AT WASHINGTON & LEE AGAINST POLITICAL CENSORSHIP
Raleigh, NC, October 25—Last month, administrators at Washington & Lee told the university’s College Republicans chapter that it could not display materials endorsing political candidates. Director of Student Activities Kelsey Goodwin cited the university’s tax-exempt status as the reason for the censorship. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) has called for the university to respect students’ right to free speech on campus.
The James G. Martin Center stands with the FIRE and the College Republicans at Washington & Lee against this political censorship. Martin Center president Jenna A. Robinson said, “Washington & Lee’s explanation for its censorship of the College Republicans is disingenuous. Students are allowed to express their political opinions on college campuses. Student political advocacy will not jeopardize Washington & Lee’s nonprofit status in any way.”
The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal echoes FIRE’s call for the university to “immediately clarify that it will allow student groups to openly support political candidates.”
Robinson added, “Washington & Lee adopted the Chicago Principles in defense of student expression and freedom of conscience. Administrators at W&L should stand by that pledge.”
To support freedom of expression at Washington & Lee, click here to join FIRE in “calling on the university to live up to its promises.”
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