MSU trustee sues over board code restricting public criticism

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 22:44 · Archive

Michigan State University Trustee Mike Balow has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the board's code of ethics, saying it violates free speech rights.

Michigan State University Trustee Mike Balow has filed a federal lawsuit against Board Chair Brianna Scott and Board Secretary Stefan Fletcher, challenging the board's code of ethics. Balow says the code violates his right to free speech by preventing trustees from publicly criticizing board decisions.

The code of ethics provision that Balow challenges states that trustees who publicly dissent from majority board decisions can face immediate sanctions. Balow's legal team, including Greg Greubel, senior attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, argues that the provision is unconstitutional and is used to silence criticism of university leadership and decisions. The attorneys also allege that Scott and Fletcher have withheld resources from Balow as a result of his opposition to the code, preventing him from performing his duties.

Board Chair Scott responded by stating that the code of ethics and conduct is similar to those at other universities, including Wayne State University. She said that elected officials, such as lawmakers, are commonly held to similar codes of conduct and that healthy debate and independent viewpoints remain important parts of university governance.

How it is being reported

• MSU trustee sues board chair, secretary over code of ethicsMichigan State University Trustee Mike Balow has filed a federal lawsuit against the board’s chair and secretary, challenging the board’s code of ethics. He says it violates free speech rights.WILX · 28 Oct, 22:05
• Trustee Michael Balow sues MSU, challenging speech code restricting criticismMichigan State University Trustee Michael Balow announced Wednesday that he has filed a lawsuit against the university, challenging the board of trustees' code of ethics that bars members from publicly criticizing its decisions.Woodtv · 28 Oct, 15:58

In this story: Michigan State University · Mike Balow · Brianna Scott · Stefan Fletcher · Wayne State University · Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression · Greg Greubel

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