Category Archives: Media law

Why fraternity sign bans are wrong

Photo taken 2026 of a fraternity sign on Grove Ave in Radford. This innocent sign would apparently be a violation of a ridiculous Radford city ordinance.

Whenever a federal, state or local unit of government creates a law restricting freedom of speech, it must be able to show that the law serves a legitimate purpose. 

And if the law restricts specific content, there is an additional burden on  government to meet requirements of strict scrutiny.  For instance, a law permitting Republican signs but not Democratic Party signs would obviously violate the First Amendment.

Radford’s Greek Sign Ordinances are content specific. Under the City of Radford Municipal Code Sec. 120.1-64. – Additional requirements for Greek organizations/signs, and Sec. 120.1-239. – Additional requirements for Radford University recognized student clubs and organization signs,  any “Greek” (fraternity or sorority)  signs or flags — are banned except during a few special times each year. 

No other signs, whether commercial or religious, and no other flags (such as those promoting the university) fall under similar regulations in Radford.     

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