In a significant development, Oklahoma State University (OSU) has reached a settlement with the conservative free speech advocacy group, Speech First. The settlement brings changes to the university’s policies regarding free speech and harassment, following a lawsuit filed by Speech First on behalf of three students.

Allegations of Suppression and Punishment

Speech First filed suit in federal court against OSU, alleging that the university suppressed and punished speech on political and social issues. Among the grievances cited in the lawsuit were concerns over the university’s Bias Response Team and its harassment policies.

Targeted Actions and Policies

The lawsuit highlighted instances where students faced repercussions for their expressions. These included reports to the Bias Response Team for actions such as writing a satirical article about safe spaces, tweeting #BlackLivesMatter, chalking Build the Wall on a sidewalk, and expressing support for Donald Trump.

Settlement Terms

As part of the settlement, OSU has agreed to disband its Bias Response Team and revise its harassment policy. The university will no longer enforce certain provisions that were seen as inhibiting freedom of speech. Additionally, OSU will pay Speech First’s attorney fees, totaling $18,000.

Impact on University Policies

The disbandment of the Bias Response Team marks a significant shift in how OSU addresses incidents related to bias and speech on campus. By revising its harassment policy, the university aims to create an environment that fosters open dialogue and respects differing viewpoints.

Upholding Freedom of Speech

The settlement underscores the importance of protecting freedom of speech on college campuses. It serves as a reminder to institutions of higher education to uphold the principles of free expression and refrain from actions that could stifle diverse perspectives.

Conclusion: A Victory for Free Speech

The settlement between OSU and Speech First marks a victory for free speech advocacy. It sets a precedent for universities to reassess their policies and ensure they align with constitutional principles of freedom of speech and expression. Moving forward, it is imperative for academic institutions to prioritize the protection of free speech rights for all members of their communities.

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