N.J. university to appeal order to run ad in alumni magazine

By The Associated Press

05.31.01

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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Rutgers University will appeal a March ruling that found the university violated free-speech rights by refusing to run an advertisement in its alumni magazine.

In the meantime, the university will publish a version of the ad in the July issue of the alumni magazine, officials said May 22.

Rutgers rejected the ad three years ago, saying it did not run issue-oriented advertising in the 100,000-circulation Rutgers Magazine sent to alumni and contributors.

In March, Superior Court Judge Joseph Messina ruled that the state and federal constitutions do not allow public institutions to make such decisions. He ruled the ad must be published.

The advertisement was placed by Rutgers 1000 Alumni Council, a group that accuses the school of emphasizing sports to the detriment of academics. The ad asked readers to contribute to and join the organization.

Grayson Barber, an attorney representing Rutgers 1000, said because Rutgers Magazine is a state publication, it has an extra responsibility to represent all views — even if they are critical of the university.

The lawyer for the university said the school should have editorial discretion.

Update

Rutgers to pay ACLU's attorneys fees in battle over magazine ad
N.J. appeals panel decided last month that alumni magazine discriminated against group critical of school's focus on Division I athletics.  09.24.02

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N.J. judge: Rutgers Magazine violated group's rights by rejecting ad
Court says publication is public forum that should allow discussion of issues important to university.  03.14.01