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UCLA Stifles Free Speech

Free And Equal Sues UCLA For Freedom Of Speech Violation

Free and Equal Elections Foundation, which has sponsored general election 2008, 2012 and 2016 Open Presidential debates for candidates excluded from the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), is seeking arbitration orders against UCLA for violating its right to free speech on university campuses.

Free and Equal had a contract with UCLA to use the Pauley Pavilion for its May 2014 United We Stand Concert. The concert’s purpose was to expand interest in political participation among young people. The event included many big-name entertainers and thought leaders. Thousands of tickets were sold. Five days before the event, UCLA revoked the contract hours after they learned that Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chuck D of Public Enemy was scheduled to speak to students on campus to help promote the event.

“Our group is Public Enemy and I’ve been talking to Christina Tobin for a while. Last year we were slated to play at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, and I guess we all know what happened if you don’t know just check in with Christina. We’re down for the movement and the cause to wake people up,” stated Chuck D of Public Enemy at the 2015 United We Stand Concert.

Free and Equal is seeking up to $1 million in damages, prejudgment interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

You may read back story at Mint Press News

 

(Photo above from Berkeley Free Speech Movement 1968)