Statement by Richard L. McCormick, President, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Condemning an Offensive Parody of Student Aaron Marcus in the Publication the Medium

Federal courts extend broad protection to student media. However, a recent article in the Medium, purporting to be written by student Aaron Marcus and using Mr. Marcus’ photograph, is extremely offensive and repugnant. No individual student should be subject to such a vicious, provocative, and hurtful piece, regardless of whether First Amendment protections apply to such expression. The Medium’s article was particularly despicable in light of Mr. Marcus’ Jewish faith.