Attempts to shut down a recent ISI debate at the University of Pittsburgh highlighted the urgent need to protect and defend the safety and liberty of conservative student groups on campus.

In a shocking violation of the First Amendment, the University of Pittsburgh officials incited hundreds of violent protestors to disrupt a debate ISI hosted on transgenderism.

Pitt then billed ISI over $18,000 to cover security costs for the event, despite the fact that we were forced to end the debate early at the urging of police because they were not able to protect our students and speakers from the violence incited by university administrators.

At ISI, we believe in the fundamental importance of free speech on college campuses. The Western tradition teaches us that free speech is essential to pursuing and grasping truth.

That’s why I’m pleased to inform you that Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has taken up the cause and is representing ISI in this matter. On Monday, ADF sent a letter to the University of Pittsburgh, firmly asserting that the security fee imposed on the student groups to deal with university-incited disruption is a clear violation of ISI students’ First Amendment rights.

What happened at Pitt is a tragedy. College is a partnership between students and faculty rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and the pursuit of knowledge. The university violated this sacred trust by inciting a riot that threatened the lives and liberties of students peacefully assembled to discuss and debate ideas.

This dereliction of duty is unacceptable in a free society, and ISI will fight to ensure it never happens again.

Will you stand with us? Here’s how you can help:

First, please help get the word out by sharing the press release about our efforts to address this serious violation of ISI students’ free speech rights.

Second, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to ISI today to support our efforts to teach young Americans about the principles and virtues that sustain America’s constitutional order. Many of our regular supporters find monthly giving a convenient way to support ISI programs on an ongoing basis. Click here to join ISI’s Freedom and Virtue Club: