UH statement on free speech lawsuit against UH Hilo

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Jodi Leong, (808) 492-0597
Director of Communications, External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: Apr 25, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The University of Hawai'i was informed on April 24, 2014 that two students at UH Hilo filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court alleging that the university violated their free speech rights on campus. A copy of the complaint can be found here: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eaur/docs/Burch_v._UH.pdf"

The university has issued the following statement in response to the lawsuit:

The University of Hawai'i  is committed to free expression and the open exchange of ideas.

This case involves the application of specific policies on one of our campuses that were implemented to protect those values while preserving the educational environment for all students. The policies were developed in a manner completely independent of any specific viewpoint, perspective or content.

The university has initiated a review of the policies involved and the manner in which they were enforced. We will make any changes that are needed to ensure that free expression and First Amendment rights are fully protected on that campus and throughout the University of Hawai'i System.

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