Two University of Delaware students filed a federal suit after they say the school banned them from selling T-shirts at a football game printed with a crude cheer.
An attorney for the pair says their free speech rights are being violated after they were prohibited from selling their T-shirts with the saying, "U Can Suck Out D," according to the Wilmington News Journal. The university says the case is not about censorship but trademark infringement.
University of Delaware released a statement regarding the lawsuit:
"This case is not about free speech. It is about the University's ongoing efforts to protect its trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property."
Read full statement from University of Delaware
The (Wilmington) News Journal reports that the lawsuit was filed by 21-year-old students Benjamin Goodman and Adam Bloom in U.S. District Court this week. The suit seeks $35,000 in damages for lost sales of T-shirts and other costs and fees.
The students' attorney says the school threatened to use the student disciplinary process if the shirts were sold, which he said should not be used in a trademark case.
University of Del. Students Sue School Over the Sale of “Crude” T-Shirts
The students sued the University after they were banned from selling the tees at a football game because of a crude cheer that was printed on them.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
