University of West Georgia: Student Newspaper's Funding Cut on Basis of Content

Case Materials

• "Victory for Freedom of the Press at University of West Georgia: FIRE Turns Content-Based Newspaper Censorship into Funding Increase," July 14, 2009: The University of West Georgia's (UWG's) finance committee has restored and increased funding to UWG's student newspaper after FIRE challenged its unconstitutional funding cut and the student government's attempt to freeze the assets of The West Georgian. The newspaper had criticized corruption in the student government and printed a satire of fraternity life. After FIRE intervened on the paper's behalf, The West Georgian not only saw its funding restored but also received $3,600 of new funding.
• "E-Mail from Linda Picklesimer Regarding 'West Georgian' Funding," June 29, 2009
• "E-Mail from Melanie McClellan Regarding 'West Georgian' Funding," June 1, 2009
• "Letter to FIRE from UWG Counsel Jane Simpson," May 20, 2009
• "FIRE Letter to University of West Georgia President Beheruz N. Sethna," May 11, 2009
• "SGA Resolution," April 22, 2009
• "Article: Join a Frat with Buck Futter, Jr.," April 22, 2009
• "SAFBA Recommendations FY 2010," April 9, 2009
• "Article: Alan Webster Captures 2009-2010 SGA Election," March 25, 2009

Blog Entries

• "University of West Georgia Blames Students, Tries to Snatch Defeat from Jaws of Victory," by Adam Kissel, July 17, 2009
• "Victory for Freedom of the Press at University of West Georgia: FIRE Turns Content-Based Newspaper Censorship into Funding Increase," by Peter Bonilla, July 15, 2009