University settles free speech lawsuit with student for $80K

Maggie DeJong was studying towards her master's degree in art therapy counseling when she received three no-contact orders against her from the school after three of her fellow students complained about her political opinions. DeJong's Christian faith has informed her conservative views, which she spoke of openly and posted to her social media. Following the no-contact order, DeJong filed a lawsuit against the university for violating her first amendment right.

As a result, former Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Randall G. Pembrook, Director for Equal Opportunity, Access, and Title IX Coordination Jamie Ball, and Program Director of the Art Therapy Counseling Graduate Program Megan A. Robb will undergo a First Amendment training session from the ADF.

“DeJong clearly has the right, as enshrined in the First Amendment, to express her religious, political, and social views on her personal social media account and to engage in mutual conversations with fellow students regarding those opinions without fear of retaliation from school officials,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois wrote in its decision in March when the university attempted to dismiss the lawsuit.

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