Press Releases

LEXINGTON, Virginia – Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) sent the following letter to President William Dudley of Washington and Lee University. The letter responds to reports that Washington and Lee University ordered a student group to remove materials supporting a state-wide candidate for office from its booth at an annual activities fair.

Cline was joined in this letter by Washington and Lee University alumni Representatives Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Neal Dunn (FL-02).

"Far too often across the country we see censorship on college campuses," Cline said. "Free speech, particularly with regard to political discourse, plays a critical role in furthering discussions that have the ability to shape individuals' lives and communities. I urge President Dudley to uphold his institution's mission statement to provide a liberal arts education that develops students' capacity to think freely, critically, and humanely and to conduct themselves with honor, integrity, and civility. These principles are paramount to preparing individuals to contribute thoughtfully to society."

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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