The Federalist Society chapter at the University of Illinois is being threatened with blacklisting after members have refused to publicly state support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Chapter leaders said they are bound by a policy from the national organization barring statements or endorsements of any kind.
“I am incredibly proud to be part of an institution among leaders who, when faced with the recent cries from the black community who has for their entire existence in this country been oppressed, amplified these cries loud enough so that those in power will finally hear,” a letter written by Celestina Radogno, a law student at the school, read. “But amongst the dialogue and the cries, there is a tangible silence that should not be ignored. This is the silence of the Federalist Society,” the letter continued. It went on to explain that the Federalist Society did not sign a letter “affirmatively stating that black lives matter and pledging to be anti-racist.”
Radogno said the society has communicated to her that it is not allowed to “issue or sign onto ANY statements per policy/orders of the National [Federalist Society] leaders,” a posture she called “disingenuous.”
“Silence from FedSoc is interpreted as a rejection of BLM,” the letter concluded. “Many organizations pledge to no longer co-sponsor events with the FedSoc until the FedSoc supports their Black peers.”
Some conservatives and prominent black people have criticized the Black Lives Matter movement, saying the founders ascribe to Marxist political ideology and wish to see the current system of government in America dismantled.
Radogno’s letter, which was co-signed by 64 other people, demanded that the Federalist Society chapter break with the national organization to show support for black lives.
“As a law student, justice and fairness is my bone to pick,” she concluded. “I can’t sit back and watch the FedSoc take stances on so many hotbed issues, including those directly impact my life, and then conveniently tout a gag order from Nationals when it comes time to take a position on an issue that is not how you interpret the Constitution — where there is only one, right, non-debatable stance: Black Lives Matter.”
