Dixie State violates free speech, students say in lawsuit

Dixie State officials declined to comment Wednesday.

The lawsuit is directed by the Philadelphia-based Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, part of a nationwide series of lawsuits over free speech issues on college campuses.

"The function of an education is the free exchange of ideas," said Catherine Sevcenko, a lawyer with the group. "You got there to sort of have your ideas tested."

The students Jergins, Joey Gillespie and Forrest Gee say in court documents that the public school requires students to get permission before posting things on campus. They asked to put up three fliers featuring the photos with satirical captions last October. But they say they were denied because the fliers violated school policy by mocking people.

Later that fall, the students wanted to put up "Free Speech Wall" in the center of campus covered with blank sheets of paper for students to write their own messages.

The students say they got four signatures from different administrators required to hold on-campus events, but officials said it had to be held in a designated free-speech zone. The students say the area is a patio in an out-of-the-way spot where few students pass by.

The lawsuit says even fewer people stopped after a police officer came to watch for about 30 minutes, even though they had declined a police presence.

The students also say the event-approval process is arbitrary, pointing to a water-gun fight they wanted to hold to recognize the Second Amendment that was denied by administrators, even though a different water-gun fight was approved.

The lawsuit names seven Dixie State administrators, including President Richard Williams. Dixie State has about 8,600 students.

Young Americans for Liberty is a libertarian-leaning organization associated with former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul.

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Dixie State violates free speech, students say in lawsuit