Stanford University Censors Conservative Student Newspaper
Stanford University has indicted The Stanford Review, Stanford’s only conservative student publication, for defying a ban on door-to-door distribution in an act of civil disobedience.
Staff of The Stanford Review distributed their publication door-to-door in the residence halls on campus in violation of University policy. The University responded swiftly by filing a formal complaint to the Organization Conduct Board to begin an investigation, which could result in sanctions. “We believe this ban to be an unreasonable restriction on freedom of speech on a college campus,†argues senior Ben Guthrie, former Editor-in-Chief of The Stanford Review.
Stanford University is engaging in censorship by prior restraint. According to Chris Nguyen, Chairman of the Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) Undergraduate Senate, this censorship may be illegal. California passed the Leonard Law in 1992, named after its author Republican Senator Bill Leonard, which applies the First Amendment to private colleges and universities. “Thanks to the Leonard Law, all rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court regarding government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press are applicable to Stanford University,†explains Nguyen. The Supreme Court ruled in Martin v. Struthers (1943) that door-to-door distribution is protected by the First Amendment.
Stanford’s ban on door-to-door distribution may be illegal on its face, but it also may be illegal as applied. Stanford University has enforced its door-to-door distribution policy selectively and discriminatorily. Only once before has a student publication been taken before the Organization Conduct Board in the same manner as The Stanford Review. In 2003-04, The Stanford Progressive, a liberal student publication, was threatened with sanctions. Numerous other violations of the policy have gone unpunished by Stanford University, including door-to-door distribution by Masque, a gay culture publication, and The Stanford Chaparral, a humor magazine.
In the fall of 2003, The Stanford Review published several controversial articles, which prompted some students to complain. Stanford University responded by suddenly deciding to enforce a ban on door-to-door distribution that was technically already on the books. The Stanford Progressive, infuriated by this blatant censorship, violated the distribution ban in 2003-04 in protest. “Stanford University is continuing its pattern of silencing conservative views, even if that means ruining the entire publications community,†contends Guthrie.
Stanford University Resident Fellow Christine Gabali explains her objection to door-to-door distribution: “We’re in an intellectual environment, so we have to exercise free speech in a constructive way, a way that exercises critical thinking, a way that protects our students,†Gabali said. “Roble is a very diverse four-class dorm, so we need to respect everybody.â€Â
Is Stanford University ready to concede that multicultural diversity trumps freedom of speech?
Details can be found here
Publisher’s Note: The motto in the Stanford seal reads in German: “Die Luft Der Freiheit Weht” which, ironically, translates into “The Wind of Freedom Is Blowing”
Submitted by Ryan Tracey, Editor-in-Chief, The Stanford Review