Student Sues College in Free-Speech Dispute

A student has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Citrus College of denying his 1st Amendment rights by banning two rallies he wanted to hold on campus.

Christopher Stevens was turned down under the school’s year-old policy requiring that protests not associated with campus organizations or school-sponsored events be restricted to one of three free-speech areas. A college spokeswoman said the policy was adopted to prevent disruptions for students on campus and to forestall violence.

Stevens wanted to hold a “pro-America” rally and a protest against proposed budget cuts for community colleges.