**Free Speech Under Fire: Lincoln Memorial University Fuels Controversial Sanction Against Student**
In a troubling development for free expression on college campuses, Lincoln Memorial University has come under fire for its treatment of a student who expressed her views on social media.
Erin Lintag, a veterinary student, found herself facing severe repercussions after she made a public statement on her private Instagram account urging President Trump’s supporters to “unfollow” her.
This situation raises significant concerns about the state of free speech and the potential chilling effects on students with conservative viewpoints.
Lintag's Instagram stories, which were private and not made in a campus context, conveyed her desire to distance herself from classmates who supported Trump.
Despite the posts being made outside of university grounds, Lintag was notified that she was under investigation for alleged violations of the university's Ethics and Honor Code.
This heavy-handed approach by the university not only disregards the principles of free speech but also sends a clear message that certain political views are not welcome on campus.
In the meeting that followed, Lintag was given a mere 48 hours to accept responsibility for her actions. Accepting responsibility would require her to write a two-page paper on the dangers of social media.
However, students are often pressured into compliance to avoid harsher penalties in such environments.
While it is understandable that students often seek social circles aligned with their beliefs, enforcing a conduct code in this manner appears to be not just unfair, but also a violation of fundamental rights.
Advocates for free speech rights argue that the university's actions reflect a broader issue in higher education, where differing political ideologies are increasingly targeted for silencing.
They argue that universities should be bastions of free expression, encouraging dialogue and debate rather than censorship and conformity.
The case of Erin Lintag highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to protect the rights of all students, regardless of their political stance.
Lincoln Memorial University should consider issuing an apology to Lintag and ensure that such overreach is curtailed in the future.
The preservation of free speech must remain a priority in academia, as it is essential for fostering a truly diverse environment where all views can be discussed and challenged.
Until this balance is achieved, the rights of students like Lintag may remain at risk, raising questions about the very essence of freedom in education.
Sources:
jonathanturley.orgdailymail.co.uknaturalnews.com