This week, the University of Maryland Francis King carey School of Law approved a Republican Law Society Event to host Kevin Roberts, the President of the Heritage Foundation and the “architect of Project 2025”.  The event, set to be held on March 3rd, gives Roberts a platform to educate members of the law school community on his discriminatory and troubling objectives. 

Kevin Roberts' views and positions have frequently been seen as antagonistic toward marginalized groups. His platform advocates for discrimination and undermines the core values of democracy and diversity that our institution purports to uphold. We believe the school administration has a responsibility to reassure marginalized groups that they are not only welcomed but also respected and protected.

According to the United Nations Human Rights, discrimination and attacks on marginalized groups constitute serious violations of basic human rights. Yet, here at the prestigious Carey School of Law, we are planning to honor a speaker who has consistently advocated for undermining the rights of our peers. It is crucial to remember that institutions of higher learning, such as ours, play a fundamental role in shaping societal norms and advocating for human rights and equality. This situation is disheartening for many students and staff who belong to marginalized groups. For an institution acclaimed for its progressive and diverse community, allowing Kevin Roberts to speak on our campus sends a clear message that hate speech, discrimination, and violent discourse are prioritized over the well-being of our students.

While we deeply value the importance of the First Amendment and recognize the school’s role in fostering open dialogue through a diverse range of events, we believe there is a clear boundary when free speech turns into discrimination or harmful rhetoric against marginalized groups within our own school community. Further, while the school should emphasize free speech, it ultimately has the strongest responsibility to ensure to foster an atmosphere of respect and ensure that its students feel safe in the school building and classroom.

Therefore, we implore the university to show that it stands firm against all forms of discrimination. As an institution of higher learning, let us set an example for our students, staff, and the broader community. Please, sign this petition to show your support for equality, diversity, and respect for all our community members.