X fights legal battle against campus censors at University of Illinois on behalf of student and wins

On Wednesday, X announced that it had won a legal battle on behalf of a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign who had been targeted by the institution over a post he made on the platform.

Juan David Campolargo was "threatened with dismissal from his on-campus job and eviction from student housing" in November after being accused of breaking the university's code of conduct when he misrepresented a closed conference event as an open gathering with free food.

"Justice has prevailed!  X has successfully fought for its user's right to free speech," X wrote in a post celebrating the victory, explaining that the university has "rescinded its disciplinary action against [Campolargo], dropping all charges and closing the case."

X explained that upon learning of Campolargo's situation, it hired the Schaerr Jaffe law firm to submit an appeal in defense of his First Amendment right to free speech, though the university originally "resisted" and told him he "was not allowed to be represented by a lawyer in their disciplinary proceedings."

Following the successful legal battle, Campolargo can now resume posting on his X account, and has been allowed to keep his on-campus job and student housing. 

"We must always stand firm in the face of threats and intimidation to protect our right to free speech," X added. "It's the cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental human right."

"If you can be punished for posting about free food, what can't you be punished for?" 

"As promised, this platform will fight for your freedom to speak!" CEO Elon Musk posted in response to the verdict. "We expect many such battles in the future."

In August, Musk vowed that X would cover legal costs for users unfairly treated by employers over posts they had made on the platform.