U.S. Dept. of Justice files ‘Statement of Interest’ in UM free speech lawsuit

A group suing the University of Michigan in a free speech case is now getting support from the Trump administration.

The U.S. Justice Department filed a brief in support of the plaintiffs in Speech First, Inc., v. Schlissel Monday.

At issue is U of M’s disciplinary codes that prohibit “harassment” and “bullying.” The suit claims the policy is “vague,” limiting students’ freedom of speech on campus.

A university spokesman says the lawsuit is painting a “false portrait of speech” on campus by “seriously” misstating university policy.

The Justice Department’s “Statement of Interest” echoes the suit filed by Speech First.

Devin O’Malley, a U.S. Justice Department spokesman, dismisses the suggestion that this case is not important enough for the federal government’s legal arm to step in.

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