“The purpose was to say, ‘Keep these provisions in mind, exercise common sense, and everything will be fine,’” Hardy said.
The Illinois situation is part of a “disturbing trend” likely to increase as the election nears, said Will Creeley of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
The Philadelphia-based group tracks academic freedom and free speech complaints on U.S. campuses. It recently sent a letter of protest after the University of Oklahoma sent an e-mail to students, faculty and staff directing them not to use university e-mail to endorse or oppose a candidate. The Oklahoma school also barred using e-mail to forward political humor and commentary.
The group has received complaints about bans on campaign activities at Iowa Western Community College and Fresno Pacific University in California, Creeley said.
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