Gallaudet University: Restrictions on Greek Life Clothing, Membership, Expression
Cases
Gallaudet University
Case Overview
On September 1, 2025, a Gallaudet University fraternity member alerted FIREto a series of restrictions on Greek Life imposed in July, including rules on clothing, recruitment, social events, terminology, and membership. Specifically, the university banned fraternity and sorority members from using “old” Greek Life language like “pledge” and “rush,” required prior approval for marches, and mandated that students wear “weather-appropriate clothes” and “similar dress” for new member events. ֭ wrote to Gallaudet on September 26, explaining that its free speech promises protect expressive activity and preclude university restrictions on student group dress, word choice, recruitment, and social functions.