Free Speech Rights

The University has a constitutional duty to uphold the free speech rights of all people without regard to content.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution establishes the right to freedom of religion, assembly, the press, and petition.

Freedom of speech is also protected in the Constitution of the State of Illinois which provides that University students enjoy the same freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and right to petition as any other citizen enjoys.

Hate and Offensive Speech

The First Amendment protects most speech, even if the speech is hateful, offensive, or inconsistent with the University’s values.

Where concerns are reported regarding expressive speech or conduct, the University reviews speech concerns on a case-by-case analysis to determine whether the First Amendment protects the speech or conduct.

University policy Related to Free Speech

Academic Freedom

Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy

Amplification

Code of Student Conduct

Proper Operation of University in Case of Disruptive Activity

University Facility and Space Use Policy

Responding

If you find what someone is saying to be hateful or offensive, here are some things you can do:

Engage

Have a respectful dialogue with the person offering countering points.

Ignore

Ignore the person or block any people or content on social media that go against your values.

Find Connections

Find a campus organization that shares your interests.

Browse Redbird Life

Reach Out

There are many areas on campus who can offer support for how you’re feeling.

Center for Civic Engagement
Dean of Students
Student Counseling

Report

If you believe any speech constitutes discrimination or harassment that violates policy, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.

(309) 438-3383
EqualOpportunity@IllinoisState.edu

Unprotected Speech

The University prohibits illegal harassment and discrimination. These acts may result in grounds for discipline for students and termination for employees.

The First Amendment does not protect several categories of speech, including, but not limited to:

True threats

Fighting words

Incitement to imminent lawless action

Speech that solicits or advocates engagement in illegal conduct

Obscenity

Defamation

Commercial speech

Even speech protected by the First Amendment must comply with the University’s content and viewpoint-neutral time, place, and manner policy restrictions. While you may engage in protected speech activities, the University may reasonably restrict how, when, and/or where you engage in the speech, so long as the restriction is not based on the content of your speech.