(TheIndependentStar.com) – Riley Gaines just dealt a decisive blow to liberal bias on college campuses with a court victory against the University of New Mexico’s ridiculous security fee policy.
This case is a wake-up call for everyone who values free speech and conservative viewpoints. The fight for America’s constitutional rights just scored a win.
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the University of New Mexico (UNM) for attempting to charge Turning Point USA and Riley Gaines a $5,384.75 security fee for an event.
The fee was imposed by the university when Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer and women’s sports activist, was scheduled to speak at an event hosted by Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
This ruling temporarily bars the university from implementing such draconian measures, reinforcing the importance of free speech on college campuses.
The lawsuit, filed by the Southeastern Legal Foundation, argued that these fees were a direct attack on the First Amendment rights of the students and the speaker. District Judge David Urias ruled that UNM must halt all security fees for “speech events” but emphasized that this does not apply to sporting events. “Defendants are enjoined from enforcing the security fee policy vis-à-vis speech events and the collection of payment for security fees related to the Gaines event,” Urias wrote.
The university initially demanded a $10,000 fee, which was later reduced to $5,384.75.
Interestingly, Police Lieutenant Timothy Stump admitted to having no specific criteria for determining these fees, saying they were based on the individual speaker and past fees levied against TPUSA. This lack of consistency and transparency raises serious questions about the university’s true intentions.
Riley Gaines praised the ruling, highlighting the political discrimination and suppression of First Amendment rights prevalent on many college campuses today. Gaines said these fees serve as a deterrent to conservative voices, creating an uneven playing field for different political ideologies.
“Rather than ensure that TP-UNM and Ms. Gaines were kept safe by staffing security with money from its multi-million dollar endowment and making it clear to the student body that it would discipline any hecklers, UNM placed the burden of safety on the students and Ms. Gaines,” argued the Southeastern Legal Foundation.
TPUSA’s chapter co-president Jonathan Gonzales expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, noting a perceived double standard in UNM’s fee policies.
“The court clearly sees the double standard of UNM behind giving a $10,000 fee to our event and yet previously allowing a drag show to take place on campus with no security fee at all,” Gonzales stated.
Kimberly Hermann, Executive Director of Southeastern Legal, also applauded the decision, calling it a “major win” for the First Amendment on college campuses.
The Leadership Institute and Turning Point USA have long advocated for fair treatment and the protection of constitutional rights for all students, regardless of their political beliefs. In contrast, the university’s actions appear designed to suppress conservative voices, which is something patriots across the nation must vigilantly oppose.
In light of the ruling, the ongoing battle for free speech on college campuses is far from over.
This monumental victory serves as a crucial reminder of the judiciary’s role in protecting students’ constitutional rights. It’s a firm rebuke to any institution that attempts to silence diverse viewpoints through financial burdens. With continued vigilance, conservative Americans can ensure that their voices are heard loud and clear across all public forums.
The fight against liberal bias and for the protection of free speech is a long road, but victories like this give hope.
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