The Washington Post: After Trump’s order, West Point curbed faculty speech. One professor said no.

Photo Credit: The Washington Post

Washington Post: Tim Bakken, a law professor at West Point, challenged the academy’s new policy requiring faculty to seek approval before publishing, arguing it violates the First Amendment. Bakken filed a lawsuit against the policy, alleging it suppresses speech. A judge ruled the case could proceed, temporarily halting the policy’s enforcement. Bakken’s stance has isolated him from colleagues, highlighting tensions between academic freedom and military obedience.

NYACK, N.Y. — The longest-serving law professor at West Point rose to declare the school’s new rules unconstitutional. Within moments, a uniformed colonel stood to challenge him.

Tim Bakken, speaking to dozens of colleagues at a faculty meeting, argued that none of them should be forced to seek approval before publishing papers or giving speeches, as a policy unveiled that day would require. “This violates the First Amendment,” he said, predicting an end to West Point’s professed tolerance for opposing views.

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