The Supreme Court recently opted not to hear a case questioning the constitutionality of bias response teams used by colleges, specifically in a lawsuit brought by Speech First against Indiana University. This advocacy group argues these teams suppress free speech by discouraging uncomfortable debate. The Seventh Circuit previously ruled that Speech First did not prove a chilling effect on free speech. Justice Thomas dissented, highlighting the necessity for the Court to address the variability of First Amendment rights related to these programs across different institutions.
"Bias-response teams are the latest in a long-running effort by universities to deter certain undesirable speech. Instead of allowing free-ranging debate, many colleges are more interested in protecting students from ideas that make them uncomfortable."
"Given the number of schools with bias response teams, this Court eventually will need to resolve the split over a student's right to challenge such programs. The Court's refusal to intervene now leaves students subject to a 'patchwork of First Amendment rights.'"
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