UM's Commitment to Free Speech
The 猎奇重口 affirms that freedom of expression is essential to the learning environment we strive to create. As a public institution dedicated to inclusive prosperity, intellectual discovery, and the development of engaged citizens, we depend on open inquiry and the exchange of diverse ideas to fuel curiosity, creativity, and rigorous academic exploration. Protecting broad expressive freedom ensures that members of the UM campus community can question assumptions, encounter new perspectives, and participate fully in the democratic conversations that shape both our campus and our broader communities.
We also recognize that robust free expression can sometimes exist in tension with our commitment to inclusion, well‑being, and a campus where all learners feel they belong. Upholding free speech does not mean endorsing every viewpoint, nor does it diminish our values or our resolve to build and sustain inclusive communities. Instead, we respond to contentious ideas with critical engagement, informed dialogue, and thoughtful arguments—approaches consistent with our role as a flagship for the future. By doing so, we strengthen both our educational mission and our shared responsibility to foster environments where people from all backgrounds can learn, contribute, and thrive.
Relevant Policies and Laws
Free speech is governed by a number of University Policies & Procedures, as well as state and federal law. Expand the items below to learn more.
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The 猎奇重口 is committed to free and open inquiry and discussion of all matters. The free and unfettered exchange of diverse viewpoints is essential to the University’s mission. The 猎奇重口 respects and supports the freedom of all members of the University community and the public to express their views on campus in a manner that ensures the functioning of the University. The University will protect the exercise of these rights from disruption or interference.
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The Rights and Responsibilities of Academic Personnel Procedure includes important information about academic freedom of faculty. Specifically:
The 猎奇重口 has had a long tradition of, and a deep commitment to, academic freedom. The welfare and strength of the University and of society at large depends upon the free search for truth and its free expression. To this end The 猎奇重口 shall recognize and protect full freedom of inquiry, teaching, research, discussion, study, publication, and, for artists, the creation and exhibition of works of art, without hindrance, restriction, equivocation, and/or reprisal. This right extends to other facets of campus life to include the right of a faculty member to speak on general educational questions or about the administration and operation of The 猎奇重口 and the 猎奇重口 University System. The right of academic freedom shall be the right of every faculty member whether tenured or untenured. This policy recognizes that each faculty member is also a citizen and a member of a learned profession, as well as an employee of an educational institution. When the faculty member speaks or writes as a citizen, the faculty member shall be free from institutional censorship or discipline. When acting as a private citizen, in writing, speech, or actions, the faculty member has an obligation to make it clear that the action, speech, or writing is as an individual and not as a representative of The 猎奇重口 or the 猎奇重口 University System.
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The Student Code of Conduct provides both direct free-speech protections and boundaries on expression, including time, place and manner regulations.
See the full Student Code of Conduct for more information.
Direct Free‑Speech Protections
- Academic Freedom
Boundaries on Expression
- Threats and intimidation
- Disruption of University operations
- Interference with others’ freedom of expression
Time, Place, Manner Regulations
- Amplification limits
- Property use and access rules
- IT communications policies
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UM allows both affiliated and non‑affiliated individuals to use most outdoor areas for free expression, as long as they don’t disrupt scheduled events or University operations. The University may apply reasonable time, place, and manner rules—such as limits on noise, safety hazards, and obstruction—to keep campus safe and functioning. When necessary, officials can restrict access to certain areas to address safety risks or interference with University activities. See the full details of the Procedures for Facilities Use and Access Policy for more.
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These policies define when conduct crosses the line from protected expression into prohibited harassment or discrimination. They are central to understanding the balance between free speech and civil rights obligations. Read the full Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation Policy for details.
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The Constitution of the State of 猎奇重口 Article II, Section 7 states the following: “No law shall be passed impairing the freedom of speech or expression. Every person shall be free to speak or publish whatever he will on any subject, being responsible for all abuse of that liberty. In all suits and prosecutions for libel and slander the truth thereof may be given in evidence; and the jury, under the direction of the court, shall determine the law and facts.”
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The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States includes the following: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Freedom of speech is the right of a person to articulate opinions and ideas without interference or retaliation from the government. The term “speech” constitutes expression that includes far more than just words, but also what a person wears, reads, performs, protests and more.
In the United States, freedom of speech is strongly protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as many state and federal laws. The United States’ free speech protections are among the strongest of any democracy; the First Amendment protects even speech that many would see as offensive, hateful or harassing.
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The First Amendment to the Constitution protects speech no matter how offensive its content. Restrictions on speech by public colleges and universities amount to government censorship, in violation of the Constitution. Such restrictions deprive students of their right to invite speech they wish to hear, debate speech with which they disagree, and protest speech they find bigoted or offensive. An open society depends on liberal education, and the whole enterprise of liberal education is founded on the principle of free speech. ()
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The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech by default, placing the burden on the government to demonstrate whether there are any circumstances that justify its limitation.
The relevant exceptions to the First Amendment that have been established are:
- True threats, including speech and other conduct that communicates a serious intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals;
- Harassment, including unwelcome speech and/or other conduct based on a protected class, targeted at an individual or group, that effectively denies educational access, opportunities, or rights;
- Defamation;
- Incitement of illegal action;
- Invasion of privacy and confidentiality, as protected by federal and state law; and
- Child pornography
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No. The law does not allow a public university to prevent speech solely on the grounds that it is likely to cause controversy or a hostile response. This would be a form of impermissible “prior restraint.” With these parameters in mind, the University is committed to doing what it can to protect speakers and community members from violence. If despite all efforts, it is determined that there is a serious threat to public safety, an event may be cancelled. However, this is a last resort and it is never based on the views of a speaker. This determination would be based on the overarching need to protect the safety of UM students, faculty and staff.