I refer to it as the Sulu Doctrine. Back in the day, George takei ran for mayor of L.A., and TV stations in southern Cali refused to run episodes of Star Trek (including even the Saturday morning cartoon version) because they were afraid that the Feds would consider Mr. Sulu a promotion of Takei's candidacy. There were 17 other candidates in the race, so if that had been the ruling each station would have owed the rest of the field 17 hours of free TV time for ever Trek episode aired.
Even if it wasn't a violation of free speech, we're talking DUMB policy here.
Especially when you consider the fact that all Sulu ever did was say "Aye, aye, Captain" when Kirk said "Ahead Warp Factor One" or somesuch.
I mean, it doesn't portray him as some decisive leader...