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As we reported last month, the student government of Toronto’s York University has voted to deny recognition to campus groups that oppose abortion rights. Now comes word that one such group, Students for Bioethical Awareness, is challenging the ban as a violation of the campus’s code of student conduct.
An essay on free-speech rights in high schools from a First Amendment scholar:
After 12 years of censorship and regimentation, many high school students will graduate this spring with little or no idea about what it means to be a free, active and engaged citizen in a democracy. When they march across the stage to get their diploma, let’s hope someone slips them a copy of the First Amendment – with instructions on how to use it.
Far too many public school officials are afraid of freedom and avoid anything that looks like democracy. Under the heading of “safety and discipline,” administrators censor student religious and political speech, shut down student newspapers and limit student government to discussions about decorations at the prom.
Fortunately, a growing number of brave students defy the odds and take seriously what they hear about free speech in civics class…
The student government of York University in Toronto has voted to deny recognition to pro-life clubs and organizations.
According to an article in the National Post, at least four other colleges — Capilano College, the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Lakehead University, and Carleton University — have taken similar action in recent months.
The Post also reports that the Canadian Federation of Students has passed a statement resolving that “member locals that refuse to allow anti-choice organizations access to their resources and space be supported.”
Eighty activists marched on a Toronto courthouse Tuesday, urging prosecutors to drop charges against the fourteen people who were arrested in a March demonstration at the University of Toronto.
“We are rallying to show our support and to demand that the criminal charges be dropped, and the academic investigation against the students be dropped as well,” said Ahmina Hanif, a protest spokesperson.
The charges, which include forcible confinement mischief, stemmed from a March 20 demonstration against hikes in student fees.
The Secular Student Alliance has announced its annual awards for the best atheist clubs at North American colleges and universities. The awards are granted in the categories Best Service Project, Best Media Appearance, Best New Affiliate, Best Website, and Best Overall Affiliate, and come with cash prizes of $300 to $500.
This year’s honorees include the Atheists, Agnostics, and Freethinkers of the University of Illinois, who conducted a joint relief-work trip to New Orleans with members of that college’s Campus Crusade for Christ.
studentactivism.net 
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