Photo Courtesy of Alvarez Photography Studio
Young Americans for Freedom has won a resounding legal battle against Clovis Community College, securing their First Amendment rights and setting a powerful precedent for both current and future students.
On August 2, 2024, a federal judge issued a permanent injunction against the State Center Community College District. This mandates the implementation of a new flyer policy—one meticulously vetted and endorsed by the YAF chapter. Under these new regulations, all policies must adhere to a viewpoint-neutral standard, aligning with First Amendment principles. District administrators are now prohibited from censoring so-called “offensive” speech and can no longer confine the YAF chapter to a designated “free speech kiosk.” Additionally, district employees are required to undergo annual free speech training, which includes specific instruction on this landmark lawsuit. To cap it all off, the district has been ordered to pay $330,000.00 in damages and attorney fees.
This injunction guarantees that all students are protected from viewpoint discrimination and ambiguous regulations. With this decisive victory, administrators across six distinct community colleges are now held accountable to students who seek to exercise their First Amendment rights.
“Just one student standing up can make all the difference in the fight for our First Amendment rights,” said Alejandro Flores, who was the chairman of the YAF chapter at the time of the lawsuit. Since then, he has found his calling at Young America’s Foundation’s National Headquarters, inspiring students nationwide to stand up for their rights and beliefs. “Don’t back down, and don’t stay quiet,” he added.
YAF President Governor Scott Walker remarked, “This is a victory not only for the rule of law but for everyone who values free speech. We hope this sends a clear message to those who are considering violating our students’ constitutional rights – don’t, or you could end up in court ordered first amendment training like the administrators at Clovis College.
For additional information or to request an interview, contact Michael McGonigle at 800-USA-1776 or [email protected].
