Michigan State University: Program of Thought Reform
Cases
Michigan State University
Case Overview
FIRE undergoing Michigan State University鈥檚 disciplinary process faced the potential requirement of attending the school鈥檚 鈥淪tudent Accountability in Community Seminar.鈥 According to program materials, the program was an 鈥渆arly intervention鈥 for students who used 鈥減ower-and-control tactics,鈥 such as 鈥渕ale/white privilege.鈥 FIREwere also required to complete written questionnaires stating how they were taking 鈥渇ull responsibility鈥 for engaging in constitutionally-protected speech. A student could be required to fill out the questionnaires multiple times before an administrator deemed their answers 鈥渃orrect.鈥 The university would prohibit students from registering for new courses until they completed the program. In November 2006, FIREsent a letter to the school demanding a complete end to the program. In May 2007, the university ended the program.