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UMBC’s pro-life student organization, Rock for Life, is suing the school for violating their right to free speech.

Speech zone policies allow the school to designate the location of events held by student organizations. Last year, Rock for Life organized a display of posters comparing abortion to genocide. The display was initially granted a high-traffic spot but was moved twice, eventually ending up on the athletic fields with little foot traffic.

The group therefore feels they are not “free to express themselves on controversial topics.”

The speech zone policy, which restricts speech that creates an “intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or working environment,” is not unique to UMBC. About 300 schools in the country have similar procedures in place. However, Rock for Life, as represented by the Alliance Defense Fund, hopes to change that at UMBC.

The lawsuit includes demands that UMBC declare the speech code unconstitutional and reverse the policy, as well as pay compensatory damages and legal expenses to Rock of Life.

Thanks to Inside Charm City for finding the story.

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