Defend Academic Freedom: Help Dr. Bregy

My name is Steven Lam, and I am a proud alumnus of Clemson University. It breaks my heart to be writing this about a place that shaped so much of who I am. On September 16, 2025, Clemson dismissed Dr. Bregy, not for misconduct or poor performance, but simply for reposting an article on his personal social media. The article clearly disavowed violence, and he shared it in his private capacity, outside of his role as a professor.

Anyone who knows Dr. Bregy will tell you that he is far more than just a professor. He is a kind, genuine, and outgoing person who goes out of his way to make others feel welcome. He has built a reputation for caring deeply about his students and colleagues, for being approachable and compassionate, and for encouraging thoughtful dialogue even when opinions differ. To see someone of his character treated in this way is especially painful.

Yet Clemson chose to treat that act of expression as grounds for termination. This decision, made under heavy political pressure, is not only unfair to Dr. Bregy, it strikes at the very foundation of free speech and academic freedom that public universities are supposed to uphold.

Dr. Bregy’s dismissal is more than a personal injustice. It raises a larger question that affects us all: Will our public institutions protect the right to speak freely, or will they silence voices when it is politically convenient? If left unchallenged, this sets a dangerous precedent that endangers students, faculty, alumni, and anyone who values the First Amendment.

Now, Dr. Bregy faces the immense burden of a legal battle just to defend his rights, his livelihood, and the principles that should protect every one of us. He should not have to fight this fight alone. Every contribution to this fundraiser will go directly to supporting his legal representation and court costs as he stands up for himself and for the freedom of expression we all depend on.

As an alumnus, I feel deeply let down by Clemson’s failure to honor its own stated values of inquiry, dialogue, and open expression. But I also believe we can come together to support Dr. Bregy in this moment of need. By standing with him, we send a clear message that the Clemson community and beyond will not turn our backs on fairness, justice, and the First Amendment.

Your support, no matter the size, can help make a real difference. Together, we can ensure that free speech is not just an ideal written on paper, but a living promise that is defended when it matters most.

"Josh is literally one of the nicest most emphatic people I have ever interacted with. If you talk to anyone who knows him, they will tell you that he is uplifting and compassionate. The fact that this has happened to such nice person, truly baffles me. He advocates for others strongly but in my experience is not very good a self-advocating." - Professor, Anonymous By Request

"I have found Josh to be an fantastic colleague and great researcher. He is passionate about science and also communicating that passion to students and the public." - Professor, Anonymous By Request

Notice: This fundraiser has been created with the full knowledge and consent of Dr. Bregy. I am acting on his behalf to help raise support. All funds will go directly towards supporting Dr. Bregy, his legal representation, and other related expenses.