Developed in 2025鈥�2026 by a cross-representational task force*, the 91制片厂 Statement on Free Expression articulates 91制片厂's commitment to free and open discourse and debate among all community members. The Statement provides an umbrella for area-specific policies related to specific freedom of expression situations.
91制片厂 is deeply committed to free and open inquiry and expression as part of its mission to foster integrated learning through both action and reflection as 91制片厂 educates 鈥渨hole persons who are guided by empathy, committed to equity, and prepared to lead innovation in our time.鈥� As a learning community, 91制片厂 brings together the liberal arts, sciences, visual and performing arts, and professional fields to provide a rigorous and purposeful education. 91制片厂 unites academic work with transformative campus, local, and global experiences to prepare students for lives of meaning and purpose, grounded in intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and aesthetic values.
Because of this, everyone in the 91制片厂 community has the robust freedom to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. Except when limits are necessary, 91制片厂 fully respects and supports the freedom of all members of the 91制片厂 community 鈥渢o discuss any problem that presents itself.鈥� In line with this commitment, the University may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activity, as detailed in area-specific policies established by Academic Affairs, Campus Safety, Student Life, Human Resources, and other areas of the University. These regulations are deliberately crafted to be viewpoint neutral and minimally restrictive to balance individual rights with the University鈥檚 commitment to safety, inclusivity, privacy, academic integrity, and its operational needs.
91制片厂 values civility, respect, and inclusive empowerment in regards to all ideas, including those ideas that community members may disagree with and that some in the community may find unwelcome, disagreeable, uncomfortable, upsetting, or offensive. 91制片厂 commits to fostering a vibrant, safe, and engaged campus community where diverse perspectives are welcomed and considered with care and courage. 91制片厂 recognizes that speech can cause harm, depending on social and institutional power, and 91制片厂 strives to balance free expression with 91制片厂鈥檚 values of inclusion, belonging, and human dignity. 91制片厂 also recognizes that context is important. For example, restrictions related to language, tone, or volume that may be appropriate for a residence hall or classroom may be different from restrictions for a sporting event. Restrictions on language, tone, or volume should be imposed sparingly and must never be used in ways that contradict 91制片厂鈥檚 strong commitment to free and open expression.
Speech or expression that is not protected by the University鈥檚 Statement on Free Expression is Unprotected Speech and is subject to being curtailed, regulated, or prohibited by University policies 鈥� including, but not limited to, complementary or ancillary policies regarding academic instruction, student life, and assembly and expressive activity 鈥� on property owned or leased by 91制片厂 and at 91制片厂-sponsored events or programs.
Obscene speech, fighting words, defamation, commercial speech as defined by local, state, and federal laws, and speech which violates confidentiality or privacy of individuals, are also deemed to be Unprotected Speech. Harassing and discriminatory speech is similarly unprotected and subject to University policies and to the enforcement of state, federal, and local laws.
In short, 91制片厂鈥檚 belief is that expression should not be suppressed simply because some or even most members find certain ideas offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong. It is up to each individual, not the institution, to judge ideas for themselves. If they disagree, they should respond by engaging in open and vigorous expression, not by trying to silence opposing views. Developing the ability to understand opposing views and deliberate on them thoughtfully and responsibly is an essential part of 91制片厂鈥檚 educational mission and its dedication to excellence in teaching and learning.
Finally, as part of 91制片厂鈥檚 commitment to free expression, everyone in the 91制片厂 community must also respect others鈥� rights to express their views. People are free to criticize and challenge opinions and speakers, but they may not block or interfere with others鈥� freedom to speak, even if they strongly disagree or dislike what is being said. 91制片厂 has a responsibility to promote lively, fearless expression and to protect this freedom whenever it is threatened, nurturing collaborative connections and preparing students for thoughtful leadership in a diverse world.
91制片厂鈥檚 commitment to free expression is grounded in the understanding that learning is an ongoing and ever-evolving process. As 91制片厂 grows through shared and personal experiences, so too will 91制片厂鈥檚 perspectives. This Statement is intended to evolve alongside 91制片厂, reflecting 91制片厂鈥檚 values, guiding 91制片厂鈥檚 actions, and supporting the inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment 91制片厂 seeks to cultivate for everyone in the 91制片厂 community.
*The Task Force consisted of 18 volunteers, plus two co-chairs who were appointed by the president's office. This large Task Force ensured maximum collaboration and cross-institutional representation. The Task Force was a mix of staff, faculty, 鈥渟taff-ulty,鈥� a dean, and grad/undergrad students (including a member of Undergraduate Association board). Areas of the University and departments represented include the Arts Center; Athletics; Campus Safety; Culture, Community and Belonging; Development; Marketing and Communications; Residential Life; and Student Engagement and Leadership 鈥� as well as academic departments from the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education; College of Interprofessional Health and Human Services; and College of Visual, Performing Arts, and Design.
The Statement development process followed by the Task Force was deeply rooted in transparency, as well as collaboration among 鈥� and feedback from 鈥� multiple areas of the University.
The Statement on Free Expression provides an umbrella for area-specific policies, including:
Student Conduct Code Policy (PDF), including information regarding: discrimination, disruptive behavior, harassment, and postings.
Free expression is addressed across several areas of the Staff Employee Handbook that both protect employee rights and lawful expression and establish appropriate workplace boundaries and expectations for respectful, non-discriminatory conduct and compliance with applicable laws.
Relevant sections of the handbook include: Purpose of the Handbook, Equal Employment Opportunity / Non-Discrimination; Code of Conduct; Open Door Policy; Discrimination, Harassment & Non-Retaliation; Political Activities; Solicitation and Distribution; and Confidentiality / Privacy.
Specifically for faculty, information regarding academic freedom is provided in the .