Universities Finally Awakening to First Amendment Rights?

A couple of articles posted today give hope that at least some of our universities may be awakening to the 1st amendment guarantees of freedom of speech. At Northern Kentucky University, the professor, who with some of her students destroyed a pro-life display that was sanctioned by the university, has been fired. In the article Kentucky Literature Prof Removed for Vandalizing Pro-life Display

Sally Jacobsen, a professor of language and literature at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) has been dismissed from her post after she incited a group of students to destroy an approved pro-life display erected by a campus pro-life student group.
The university’s policies state that even tenured faculty can be dismissed without pay for
misconduct. It reads, “A staff member who conducts himself in a manner that reflects unfavourably upon the University, the department, and himself will be subject to immediate discharge, without advance notice and without further pay.”
In a statement published on the university’s website today, NKU president Votruba said, “While the University supports the right to free speech and vigorous debate on public issues, we cannot condone infringement of the rights of others to express themselves in an orderly manner.”
“By leading her students in the destruction of an approved student organization display, Professor Sally Jacobsen’s actions were inconsistent with Northern Kentucky University’s commitment to free and open debate and the opportunity for all sides to be heard without threat of censorship or reprisal.”

Another apparent violation of free speech which has been highly publicized occurred at Ohio State University at Mansfield where librarian Scott Savage was accused of sexual harassment against gays because he recommended certain books critical of homosexuality. In Book-banning ‘gay’ profs forced to drop allegations is this simple statement from the Dean and Director, Evelyn B. Freeman

After a thorough investigation of complaints raised by faculty members against a reference librarian, the University has determined that there were no findings of harassment.

Unfortunately, the university has not taken any action against the professors that filed the false charge. However, Savage has filed an internal complaint and is considering other legal action.

Scott’s exploring litigation – he has already filed an internal complaint accusing the professors of a false allegation of harassment. But he is definitely exploring possibilities of litigation,” said the ADF attorney.

Almost all universities have policies and codes protecting speech and expression although in the past most colleges have not enforced them. It’s gratifying to finally see some universities take action against those that would muzzle opinions that they cannot tolerate.