NEIU Withdraws Unconstitutional Policy

In a victory for free speech, the NEIU administration has apparently withdrawn its repressive policy restricting freedom on campus.

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) President Hahs sent a message to the Faculty Senate this afternoon: "I am writing to request that the A and P Council and the Faculty Senate suspend their consideration of endorsement for the policy entitled 'Policy Concerning Demonstrations on Campus, Distribution and Display of Visual Communications and Solicitation of Signatures on Campus,' conveyed to you on November 10, 2008. I also thank the SGA and the Civil Service Council for their prompt endorsements. However, effective immediately, I am withdrawing this document from further consideration. Thank you."

This shouldn't end the debate over free speech at NEIU and other campuses. This policy proposal may have been withdrawn, but it's not clear that the administration has learned to respect freedom on campus, and that existing and future policies will be interpreted to protect academic freedom.