Uncensored America v. The Pennsylvania State University

Summary

Uncensored America, a conservative student organization at Penn State, filed a federal lawsuit on October 29, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The complaint named Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims, and members of the University Park Allocation Committee as defendants. The group alleged that the university violated its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by engaging in viewpoint discrimination and imposing unwritten and inconsistent restrictions on conservative speech. The lawsuit claimed Penn State used vague security standards to deny funding, restrict locations, and cancel events sponsored by Uncensored America while allowing others to proceed without comparable constraints. It sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as nominal and compensatory damages.

The case stemmed from the university’s cancellation of a controversial event on October 24, 2022, that was to feature Gavin McInnes, founder of the far right Proud Boys organization, and comedian and commentator Alex Stein. Uncensored America had invited both speakers to appear on campus for a program titled “Stand Back & Stand By,” a reference to remarks made by former President Donald Trump during a 2020 debate that were widely criticized for appearing to encourage extremist groups. Hours before the event was scheduled to begin at the Thomas Building, Penn State canceled it, citing the threat of escalating violence between attendees and demonstrators. Protesters and counter protesters reportedly clashed outside the venue, and police responded after one individual used pepper spray.

In a public message issued that evening, President Bendapudi said the university remained committed to free speech but that safety concerns had made proceeding impossible. She called the speakers’ rhetoric “abhorrent” and contrary to Penn State’s values but said the decision was based solely on public safety. Uncensored America and its president, Alex Stein, disputed that explanation, arguing that the cancellation reflected a broader pattern of hostility toward conservative viewpoints on campus. The lawsuit also cited an earlier incident in August 2022 when the group’s request to host an outdoor debate table with several conservative speakers was denied due to alleged police staffing shortages and relocated indoors under more restrictive conditions.

As of November 2025, Penn State had not filed a formal response to the lawsuit and declined public comment, reiterating that the 2022 event was canceled only out of concern for campus safety.