Skidmore College: Student Government Refuses to Recognize Progressive Zionist Club
Cases
Skidmore College
Case Overview
On March 12, 2021, Skidmore鈥檚 student government denied recognition to the Progressive Zionists for Peace student group because it could be 鈥渢roublesome鈥 that the club is a 鈥渄ialogue focused club鈥 while expressing 鈥渙ne perspective.鈥 Skidmore, however, recognizes various other organizations that engage in dialogue while expressing one perspective, including the College Democrats, College Republicans, and Feminist Action Network. On March 17, FIREwrote to Skidmore explaining that the viewpoint-based denial of PZP鈥檚 club status is an impermissible violation of the college鈥檚 commitments to free speech and association. FIREalso called on Skidmore鈥檚 student government to rectify its violation of these students鈥 associational rights by recognizing the student group following PZP鈥檚 March 19 appeal hearing. During the March 19 hearing, Skidmore鈥檚 student government reversed course and granted the PZP its trial period.