(CNSNews.com) - Administrators at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., made members of a conservative student group alter flyers advertising a lecture because the word "hate" was used in the speech's title.

The flyers promoted the topic of guest speaker Dan Flynn as "Why the Left Hates America," which is also the title of his book. Young America's Foundation (YAF), a national organization of conservative students, is presenting the event, which is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 7.

At first, the administration of the private Catholic school approved the flyers, but officials changed their minds after some teachers and students expressed concern about the use of the word "hate."

In a letter obtained by YAF, the university's office of student activities informed the student group that a complaint had been made because some people felt the word "hate" in the speech title was "discriminatory."

The letter then warned the students that "in the future...watch what information is printed on your flyers." The office informed the group that the complaint would be included in its file at the school.

Paul Schafer, a student organizer of the event, spoke with David Lindsay, the university's director of student activities, who told him that "hate" is a strong word and that students shouldn't hold an event at which a speaker hates someone. Lindsay then required the group to alter the flyers to clearly indicate that the topic of the speech is also the title of Flynn's book.

Lindsay told CNSNews.com that the change was necessary for the flyer to conform with the university's posting policy, which prohibits "hate speech."

"It is obvious," Schafer said, "that some members of the Gonzaga administration are putting their personal politics over their job and over the rights of students on this campus."

Conservative students at the university are also concerned that new rules passed by the school's board of trustees further restrict their right to free speech.

According to the new guidelines, Gonzaga officials may forbid a guest speaker or event if "the speech or event would not constitute a legitimate educational experience or otherwise contribute to the university's mission."

Even if school administrators allow a speaker or event on the campus, officials reserve the right to issue disclaimers, require a question-and-answer period immediately following the event, create programming to counter the ideas expressed or provide another lecture with opposing views.

"Gonzaga University has opportunities to educate its students in many ways,' said Ron Robinson, president of YAF. "To restrict how student organizations contribute to campus dialogue is overreaching."

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