On behalf of the American Association of University Professors and its Harvard chapter, and in defense of the rule of law and America's universities generally, Selendy Gay filed a complaint and Temporary Restraining Order against the government to end the ongoing misuse of federal authority to threaten academic independence and free speech.
Relying on the United States Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Complaint alleges that the government’s actions violate fundamental due process rights, disregard the separation of powers, and infringe upon First Amendment rights to freedom of speech. The Complaint further alleges that the government’s arbitrary and capricious demands include the overhaul of Harvard University’s governance and leadership, academic programs, admissions system, and hiring and disciplinary processes.
“These tactics amount to exploiting Title VI to coerce universities into undermining free speech and academic inquiry in service of the government’s political or policy preferences,” according to the Complaint.
The Selendy Gay team includes partners Philippe Selendy, Sean Baldwin, and Julie Singer, special counsel Corey Stoughton, and associates Hannah Miles, Sylvia Woodmansee, and Zarah Zhao.
