CINCINNATI — A federal judge has blocked a southwest Ohio university from enforcing restrictions on student political speech on campus, saying the policy violates free speech.

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Black ruled Tuesday the University of Cincinnati violated the First Amendment by restricting student political speech to a certain area and requiring prior notification and permission. The judge asked the university to rewrite its policy.

The ruling will allow the school chapter of the Young Americans for Liberty to collect signatures on campus for a right-to-work cause. The group filed the lawsuit in February.

The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law helped with the lawsuit. Center executive director Maurice A. Thompson calls the preliminary injunction a victory.

University of Cincinnati spokeswoman M.B. Reilly says the university is reviewing its options.