Identity of Speakers
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Victor Unger
Student
OtherStudent at Central Washington University
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Student sanctioned
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
Central Washington University (CWU) – Central Washington University Disciplines Student for Calling Financial Aid Staff “Incompetent”; In June 2025, Victor Unger, a student at Central Washington University (CWU), sent an email to the Financial Aid Office after his student loan was denied, describing the department as “incompetent” and offering to “take care of your job for you.” He also had a “heated” phone conversation with a financial aid worker. CWU found Unger responsible for “Disruptive/Obstructive Conduct” and “Personal Offenses,” determining that his actions “hindered the daily operations of the university” and made staff feel unsafe. The university required him to undergo an anger management assessment and write an apology letter.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) objected to CWU’s actions, arguing that Unger’s email did not constitute a “true threat” or substantial disruption, and that the disciplinary measures violated his First Amendment rights. On July 14, 2025, FIRE sent a formal letter to CWU demanding that the sanctions be rescinded and Unger’s record cleared.
Peter Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars, publicly supported CWU’s decision, stating that free speech does not protect threats or retaliation against individuals. As of mid-2025, CWU had not responded publicly to FIRE’s request.
