Congressman Matt Gaetz | Matt Gaetz Official Photo
Congressman Matt Gaetz | Matt Gaetz Official Photo
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) addressed a recent incident at Clemson University where members of the Clemson College Republicans were prevented from engaging in First Amendment-protected activities. In a scathing letter to Clemson University President James Clements, Gaetz expressed his concerns and demanded accountability.
Gaetz's letter to President Clements highlighted the incident that took place outside a Clemson football game on April 6th, 2024, where university staff and an unidentified officer stopped Chairman Trevor Tiedeman and the Clemson College Republicans from exercising their constitutional rights. The Congressman raised questions about the university's policies regarding students' First Amendment activities on campus.
In the letter, Gaetz emphasized the need for remedial steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, stating, "No student, indeed no citizen on the grounds of a public institution, should have to go through this kind of ordeal." He requested specific information from President Clements, including details about the responding officer, Clemson University officials involved, and measures being taken to ensure staff comply with the First Amendment.
Furthermore, Gaetz inquired about potential disciplinary actions against the university officials and urged Clemson University to commit to allowing peaceful and non-disruptive First Amendment-protected activities on public property. The Congressman's letter emphasized the importance of upholding free speech rights on college campuses.
In response to the incident, Gaetz called for transparency and accountability, stating, "I’m writing to you today to ask what remedial steps are being taken to ensure a repeat of this situation does not occur." The Congressman's actions aim to safeguard the constitutional rights of students and citizens engaging in political activities on university grounds.
For updates on this issue, individuals can subscribe to Congressman Gaetz’s newsletter for further information.
Alerts Sign-up