Reinstate Kaitlin Nash at Coastal Carolina University! Conway, S.C.

Kaitlin Nash, Graduate Programs Manager at Coastal Carolina University, has been suspended, without pay, on September 12, 2025 for reposting a quote to her Instagram Story that addressed a matter of public concern. Her action was done on her personal account, on her own time, and did not use university resources.

Coastal Carolina University’s own policy (UNIV-477) promises protection for freedom of expression, even when views are controversial or unpopular. Suspending Kaitlin for exercising this basic right goes against the university’s values and policy (UNIV-477), state law protecting political expression (S.C. Code §16-17-560), and the principles of academic freedom.

We call on Coastal Carolina University to reinstate Kaitlin Nash immediately, with full pay and benefits, and to reaffirm its commitment to free expression for all students, staff, and faculty. Silencing employees for reposting content on personal social media threatens not only individuals but the integrity of the university itself. 

In 2021, Coastal Carolina reinstated professor Dr. Steven Earnest who faced similar discipline for expressions that drew controversy. That decision was rightly praised as a “victory for academic freedom and the university’s integrity.” We urge CCU to uphold those same values again.

In the words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." At some point, it becomes more of censorship and a condemnation of free speech than a matter of political discourse.

Sign this petition to stand for free expression and demand justice for Kaitlin Nash!