Dickinson College: Administration and campus security seek to identify anonymous “menofdickinson” Instagram account
Cases
Dickinson College
Case Overview
FIRE Victory closed
In April 2020, Dickinson College’s administration and campus security team sought to identify the anonymous operator of a “menofdickinson” Instagram account, which posted misogynistic memes following protests against Dickinson’s Title IX policies. FIREwrote to the college’s administration, explaining that Dickinson’s own policies recognize that speech remains protected even if it is offensive, and that the choice to remain anonymous is a right embraced by freedom of expression, which Dickinson promises to its students. In response, Dickinson pledged not to punish the student, but argued — incorrectly — that its investigation was required by federal law.