Regent University Threatens Student Over Satirical Pic of Pat Robertson

Posted by Paddy at 4:09 AM on October 12, 2007.

This post, written by Paddy, originally appeared on Cliff Schecter's Brave New Films Blog

Student in trouble over Web posting

RICHMOND, Va. --A Regent University law student says school officials have threatened to discipline him for posting an unflattering photo of founder Pat Robertson on his Facebook page.

Adam M. Key, 23, posted a picture of Regent's founder and president making what appears to be an obscene gesture on the social-networking Web site. Key copied it from a YouTube video in which Robertson scratches his face with his middle finger.

The second-year law student said officials at the private Christian university in Virginia Beach demanded that he either publicly apologize and withhold public comment about the matter, or submit to the law school dean a legal brief defending the posting. Key chose the latter, arguing that his posting was satire protected under the First Amendment.

"I believe they're wrong from a legal standpoint," the Houston native said in a telephone interview Thursday. "But also, it's important in the Christian faith to be able to criticize our leaders."

According to Key, dean Jeffrey Brauch rejected his written legal brief and he now faces disciplinary action -- perhaps even expulsion -- under the university's Standards of Personal Conduct.

"I will pay any price to defend free expression -- especially against anyone who wants to take it away in the name of God," Key said.

(snip)

However, O'Neil said disciplinary action might not be in Regent's best interests because most private universities "pride themselves on making a voluntary commitment" to free speech rights, even if they are not legally bound to do so.

I've got your back Adam.

Couldn't find the one of Robertson giving the finger, but I did find this one of him doing the Devil sign.... plus, it looks like he's "bathrooming", so that should make up for it.

No need to thank me.

UPDATE I've added the photo in question. Hat tip Pam Spaulding

Tagged as: free speech, pat robertson, civil liberties, religious conservatives, facebook, regent university

Paddy is a regular contributor to Cliff Schecter.com.