Louisiana Christian University (LCU) has announced a new policy requiring student organizations to delete their individual social media accounts, consolidating all activity under a single university-managed account.
The university sent an email to students outlining the new policy, which aims to streamline the school’s social media presence by reducing the number of individual accounts operated by student groups. According to the email, the university believes the current volume of social media accounts—over 30 Facebook profiles, along with numerous Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts—has made it harder for students to find relevant information.
“We have been in talks about the volume of social media accounts our school has. In some respects, I believe it is hurting us,” the email to students read. “One thing I believe we can do to help streamline information and make the most out of our little school is to reduce that number. In doing so we can better promote our brand and help students find the information faster. It will also help with our analytical data and make our presence on social media stronger. It will also allow us to verify our accounts and run ads should we choose to move in that direction in the future.”
As part of this new policy, all student organizations will be required to submit content for events and activities to a single account managed and moderated by the university. A moderator will allegedly ensure that all posts align with the university’s goals and are managed properly. The email emphasized that while student organizations are encouraged to create content, it must now go through the central account for publication.
“The goal would be to have this cleanup happen on or before September 30. After proper consideration has been awarded, all other accounts would need to be permanently deleted, so please be sure to remove any images you wish to keep from those accounts,” the email added.
The university framed the move as a way to enhance the overall social media strategy of LCU. However students are skeptical, with concerns being raised that this policy is a violation of free speech for the student organizations.
“This is a direct violation of free speech and this will hinder the students ability to earn valuable business skills!” reacted TPUSA student Caleb Hall.
“Louisiana Christian University is forcing all clubs to SHUT DOWN their social accounts requiring posts to be controlled by the university – this move will stifle free speech and social media skill development!”
