Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona, is not what you might think.
As a veteran, I was attracted to the school because of the perceived conservative atmosphere on campus.
Yet, once I took over the YAF chapter and began organizing events, the school was anything but conservative in their approach to supporting, or rather denying, my activities.
In October 2024, the school banned any public activity they declared as “political” or “religious.” No support for Israel, no discussion of pro-life ideas, nothing. Every activity that I had planned, which included hosting an event with Chloe Cole, was banned. Yet, the school approved a pro “trans day of visibility” event to occur without issue.
I had frequent meetings with the then interim chancellor, Dr. Ken Witcher, about this new policy to try to work through their objections. Despite my efforts, the school provided little or no answer on why these free speech restrictions were enacted. They just cited “the spirit of the policy.” I even went so far as to contact the university president, but I was brushed off. The school seemed to be hoping I would just go away.
In the end, I was told essentially, “If you don’t like our policies, get a lawyer.”
So that’s what I did with the help of YAF.
Working closely with YAF’s team, we continued to advocate for events on campus while also using social media to expose the school. When the school still didn’t listen, we filed a civil rights complaint with the Department of Education.
Less than a week after filing our complaint, ERAU mysteriously changed its mind and approved Chloe Cole to speak on campus.
All I want is to be able to voice my God-given free speech rights on campus.
It’s unfortunate and sad that I had to file a civil rights case just to talk about conservative ideas—ideas that most Americans would find completely acceptable to discuss on a college campus.
