New Action: James Madison University

When the JMU YAF Chapter hosted Robert Spencer, the school created multiple roadblocks. First, the school attempted to charge the chapter for “protest security” – an illegal heckler’s veto that makes controversial speech expensive. When YAF pushed back, the school lessened the security fee but insisted on charging the chapter based on its vague and discretionary policies.

YAF sent a legal demand insisting the school rescind the fee because the Constitution does not allow schools “discretion” in which speech is free, and which is not. JMU immediately backed down and agreed to change their policies.

Meanwhile, a professor at JMU expressed dislike for YAF’s views and took down many posters advertising the event. YAF is still looking into this matter.

Date: April 2025

Partner: Alliance Defending Freedom

Status: Ongoing

News:

• https://www.whsv.com/2025/04/15/jmu-organization-hosts-controversial-speaker-drawing-opposition-via-online-petition/
• https://www.breezejmu.org/opinion/lte-rethink-robert-spencer/article_bd2fddd6-9e6b-4ce5-a960-8f8a1469f471.html
• https://www.breezejmu.org/news/petition-created-to-dissuade-jmu-approval-of-yaf-speaker-event/article_f446d001-da4c-4086-af72-a050b1acd9dd.html
• https://www.wlbt.com/video/2025/04/15/controversial-jmu-speaker-draws-backlash/

Demand Letter: https://yaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/04.03.2025-Letter-to-JMU100.pdf