Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01) said on his podcast, "Firebrand," that he is writing Clemson University President James Clements a "scathing letter" about a recently circulated video showing university officers and administrators intimidating Clemson College Republicans, particularly Chairman Trevor Tiedeman, from participating in constitutionally protected activities on campus.
At the April 6th spring football game at Memorial Stadium, some members of the Clemson College Republicans were accosted by university staff, including an unidentified officer, and strongarmed into stopping their First Amendment-protected activity just outside the stadium.
The incident is captured on video.
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"To his credit, Clemson University Vice President of Student Affairs Chris Miller has told the Clemson College Republicans that they are in the clear and violated no policy. But no student, indeed no citizen on the grounds of a public institution, should have to go through this kind of ordeal. I’m writing to you today to ask what remedial steps are being taken to ensure a repeat of this situation does not occur," said Gaetz in his letter.
Rep. Gaetz's letter raises concerns over the university's procedures for safeguarding students' First Amendment rights while on school property.
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Gaetz is asking that precise information, including the steps being taken to ensure that such situations don't occur again, be sent to his office by April 18th, 2024, at the latest.
Gaetz is requesting:
(1) What is the name of the responding officer at the incident?; and
(2) For whom does that officer work?; and
(3) Has Clemson communicated with or directed that officer’s employing office to look into the incident and / or review their policies and training regarding First Amendment-protected activities?; and
(4) What are the names of the responding Clemson University officials?; and
(5) For which offices at Clemson do those individuals work?; and
(6) What affirmative steps is Clemson taking to ensure that staff comport with the First Amendment?; and
(7) Will any disciplinary actions be taken against these Clemson University officials?; and
(8) Can Clemson University commit to allowing peaceful, non-disruptive First Amendment-protected activity (as was on display on April 6th), including allowing waving of signs, passing out of literature (including political literature), and discussion with passersby on public property?
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