Free Speech Outcry as University Censors Professor Over Historic American Quote
Free Speech Controversy Erupts After University Blocks Professor for Quoting Declaration of Independence
A free speech debate unfolded in Oregon after Portland State University professor Dr. Bruce Gilley was blocked on social media by the University of Oregon for quoting the Declaration of Independence. The incident led to a lawsuit and a $730,000 settlement, highlighting tensions between academic policies and constitutional rights.
[Image: Dr. Bruce Gilley speaking at an event | Caption: Dr. Bruce Gilley filed a lawsuit after being blocked by the university.]
In June 2022, the University of Oregon’s Equity and Inclusion Twitter account (@UOEquity) shared a post advising followers to “interrupt racism” by questioning offensive remarks. Dr. Gilley, a climate change researcher and critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, sarcastically replied: “My entry: …you just said ‘all men are created equal.’” Shortly after, the university blocked him on the platform.
Gilley, citing a violation of his First Amendment rights, sued the public institution in August 2022. Although the university unblocked him after 60 days, federal judges allowed the case to proceed, noting the block raised legitimate free speech concerns. The parties settled out of court in 2024, with the university agreeing to pay $191,000 for Gilley’s legal fees and $533,000 for its own costs while revising its social media policies to prevent “viewpoint-based censorship.”
[Image: University of Oregon’s tweet and Gilley’s response | Caption: The exchange that led to Gilley being blocked.]
Institute for Free Speech attorney Del Kolde called the settlement a “vindication” of constitutional rights, criticizing the university for prioritizing DEI over free speech. The university denied liability but agreed to create an appeals process for unfairly blocked users.
Internal emails revealed staff disagreements over the block. Tova Stabin, the former account manager who identifies as an “Ashkenazi lesbian feminist,” resigned before the lawsuit. University officials had urged her to reverse the block unless Gilley’s speech was unlawful, and reiterated that social media policies prohibit viewpoint discrimination.
Gilley, a vocal DEI critic, has opposed mandatory diversity statements and declined to endorse Black Lives Matter pledges, calling them ideological. His lawsuit sought just $17.91 in damages but amplified debates over public institutions’ role in moderating online speech.
The university’s Equity and Inclusion account, last active in 2022, has fewer than 1,000 followers. The case underscores ongoing conflicts between free expression and institutional DEI efforts in academia.
Outcome:
- $730,000 total settlement paid by the University of Oregon.
- Revised social media policies to protect against censorship.
- Precedent affirming public institutions cannot block users based on viewpoint.
While the university maintains it acted lawfully, the case serves as a cautionary tale for institutions navigating the intersection of social media and constitutional rights.
