San Diego State University: Censorship of Pro-American Student Speech

Zewdalem Kebede, an international student at San Diego State University, verbally engaged several students when he observed them expressing a pro-terrorist position in Arabic. Although Kebede was never formally charged, he was warned that future "abusive" incidents would result in, "serious disciplinary action." FIRE responded with a letter to UCSD President Stephen Weber.

Case Materials

• "San Diego State University," October 24, 2001: At San Diego State University, an international student, Zewdalem Kebede, overheard several other students, speaking loudly in Arabic, express delight about the terrorist attacks. Kebede engaged the students and, in Arabic, challenged their positions. Kebede was accused by San Diego State University of abusive behavior toward the four students. A University judicial officer formally admonished Kebede and warned him that "future incidents [will result in] serious disciplinary sanctions." FIRE has written to University president Stephen Weber about Kebede's rights and about Weber's obligations to the Constitution.
• "FIRE's letter to President Weber," October 23, 2001

Media Coverage

• "The protected flag,"
  by Brendan Conway, National Review Online, March 8, 2007
• "Helping Students Fight Back,"
  by Jay Ambrose, Scripps Howard News Service, September 15, 2002
• "Is Free Speech Free Again?,"
  by David Orland, Boundless.org, January 10, 2002
• "Thought Police Spring to Action on the Campus,"
  by Jonathan Yardley, The Record, November 26, 2001
• "Suppression of Speech on Campus (Web exclusive),"
  by Michael Barone, US News & World Report, November 6, 2001
• "Meet the New Boss... Same as the Old Boss,"
  by Vin Suprynowicz, Las Vegas Review-Journal, November 4, 2001
• "The Death of Free Speech in Higher Ed,"
  by Andrea Neal, The Indianapolis Star, October 31, 2001
• "Speech Codes on Campus,"
  by John Leo, Chattanooga Times, October 31, 2001
• "School Warns Man Who Rebuked Saudis,"
  by Lou Marano, United Press International, October 25, 2001
• "Student: Attack praised,"
  by Jason Williams, The Daily Aztec, October 17, 2001
• "Don't Tread on Free-speakers,"
  by John Leo, US News & World Report, September 5, 2001