Columbus, OH – The ACLU of Ohio sent a letter to Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in response to new campus protocols that infringe on students’ First Amendment Rights. During a February address, relying on a mistaken interpretation of recent guidelines from the Trump administration, University President Dr. John Langell confirmed that NEOMED will begin denying university support to any student organization whose mission pertains to race, unless those organizations agree to revise their governing documents to eliminate references to race. Dr. Langell also stated that the university will no longer provide funding for celebrations of Black History Month or comparable observances.
The ACLU of Ohio urges NEOMED to reconsider these measures. They are not required by federal law—even as interpreted by the Trump administration—and they risk infringement on student’s First Amendment rights of speech and association.
Statement from ACLU of Ohio Deputy Legal Director David Carey:
“In response to the federal government’s recent attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, NEOMED’s administration is engaged in a disturbing overcorrection. There is no indication that these student groups discriminate on the basis of race, and even the Trump administration acknowledges that universities do not need to defund nondiscriminatory programs that address racial issues. In fact, if NEOMED does limit student groups’ funding and recognition based on their viewpoint, that would almost certainly be unconstitutional. Universities must reject federal pressure to censor free expression by students and scholars. The ACLU of Ohio urges to NEOMED stand down from its newly announced course of action, and we’ll be closely monitoring the situation.”
