Free Speech FAQs

The First Amendment to the Constitution protects the freedom of religion, speech, of the press, and of the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for the redress of grievances. Free speech can include protests, demonstrations, rallies, vigils, marches, public speaking, distribution of printed materials, carrying signs, displays, and circulating petitions. The First Amendment protects loathsome, distasteful, offensive, unpopular speech, and hate speech with the same force as it protects speech that is celebrated and widely accepted.

Harassment is not protected by the First Amendment. Harassment means unwelcome conduct directed toward a person that is discriminatory on a basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law, and that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively bars the victim’s access to an educational opportunity or benefit.

Other kinds of speech, such as incitements to violence, are also not protected, but the rules for what makes a speech unprotected because of its danger of causing violence are very strict.  

Hate speech is speech that offends, threatens, or insults individuals or groups on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits. Hate Speech, as generally understood and defined, is protected by the First Amendment.

 

The university maintains the generally accessible, open, outdoor areas of its campus as traditional public forums for free speech by students. Students generally have the right to engage in spontaneous outdoor assemblies, except in places that have been previously reserved by others.

Nonaffiliated people can engage in protest activities on the streets and sidewalks that are open to them for free expression activities.

The university may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions regarding any protest activity.

Both commercial and noncommercial solicitations are prohibited in nonpublic areas of the university. Solicitations and sales in public areas of the university are restricted to invitees, registered organizations, and faculty, staff, and students of the university and are subject to reasonable restrictions as to time, place, and manner.