Experts slam UC for 'guidance' on 'Chinese Virus,' warn of 'chilling' free speech

Free speech experts slammed the University of California System's "guidance" to faculty and students saying not to use the term "Chinese Virus."

Just days after the University of California System issued "guidance" to "not use terms such as ‘Chinese Virus'" and to "not allow the use of these terms by others," free speech experts are weighing in, telling Campus Reform that although these were meant solely as "guidance," they could still impact the free speech of students and faculty alike.

Nicole Neily, president of Speech First, told Campus Reform Sunday, "the University of California system is a public university - which means they're a state actor, and they're bound to uphold the First Amendment, period." She added that "even if certain viewpoints are considered offensive or unwelcome, the school cannot limit their expression."

"the document is framed as 'guidance,' suggesting the directives are merely aspirational; however, the language that follows ('Do not…') suggests these particular provisions are mandatory."    

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