According to the Thomas More Law Center, the John Hopkins University Student Government Association has turned down a pro-life student organization seeking to be officially recognized as a student club. The case brings up the controversy of students’ free speech rights at a private university.
The group, called Voice for Life, saw its request to be recognized voted down on March 12, and the Student Government Association’s Senate affirmed that vote on March 24. Voice for Life appealed to the student Judiciary Committee, and the case was to be heard on April 9.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel at the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “The actions and comments by members of the Student Government Association are puzzling and in stark contrast to the public statements of University officials who thus far have clearly come out in favor of free speech.” On April 4th, the Thomas More Law Center sent a letter to officials at John Hopkins University laying out the legal reasons Voice for Life must be recognized. You can read that letter here.
“Moreover,” Thompson continued, “the University’s Office of Institutional Equality has already issued a written opinion stating that VFL’s proposed sidewalk counseling activities are in full keeping with the University’s policies that value free expression and open debate.”
Live Action will continue to cover this developing case.
