First Amendment and Free Speech

The primary function of Slippery Rock University is to transform the intellectual, social, physical and leadership capacities of students in order to prepare them for life and career success. To fulfill its educational mission, the University must respect and uphold the full spectrum of rights of students, staff, and faculty granted by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution (the "First Amendment") and Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania.

In its most basic form, the First Amendment guarantees individuals the right to express themselves (verbally or in writing) without government interference or regulation. Slippery Rock University is an extension of the state government. As such, the university may not limit the speech of its students or visitors to campus and the university is to be “viewpoint neutral” in its operations and events.

While Freedom of Speech and lawful expression is a fundamental right, what is free and acceptable to some may be deemed offensive or unacceptable to others. Freedom of Speech and free expression are a two-way street: your free speech is just as important and just as protected as another person’s free speech. Even some speech that offends or disparages others may be protected speech. The Supreme Court has recognized that speech that causes a breach of the peace, causes violence, or directly and explicitly threatens the physical safety of others is not protected under the First Amendment.

Common Concerns about Free Speech on Campuses

Controversial Speakers

At their core, colleges and universities promote the free exchange of ideas. This free exchange could mean that some speakers or events may share opinions or viewpoints that some find controversial or offensive. SRU’s campus is state property and open to the public. The university has created an Expressive Activities Policy (see below) to help ensure that the public’s first amendment rights are protected without obstructing the education of students or the operations of the university. This means that outside speakers can express their free speech rights at certain times and in certain locations. Blocking access to events or heckling speakers to the point it undermines their message infringes on the free speech rights of others and could be considered violations of law and/or the Student Code of Conduct. SRU encourages civil, ethical, and legal ways to express disapproval of speakers or programs.

In the Classroom

Classroom learning is also protected by the First Amendment, but instructors are permitted to restrict class discussion to topics immediately relevant to the course subject matter. Students or instructors may be asked to express their opinions, and while they may be controversial, are likely considered to be protected speech so long as the speech does not disrupt the educational process. The free exchange of ideas in the classroom promotes critical thinking and intellectual development.

Online and Social Media

Contrary to the belief of some, what we say and publish online and in social media is never fully private. While the entity of the Internet is viewpoint neutral, individual websites, services, and apps may set their own terms of use. If you violate their conditions for using their app or website, your speech is not protected as you are not being punished by the government. Social media should be considered a very modern form of traditional print media: your posts and profiles are the same as a published journal or story. Slippery Rock University does not police the online activity of students or employees – but does place reasonable limits on how our IT network can be utilized and does act on online speech that is considered to be outside the bounds of protected speech such as direct threats of violence or pervasive harassment.

Protests and Counter Protests

All individuals have the right to peacefully assemble and demonstrate their viewpoints on SRU’s campus, regardless of content or message. These events are covered by all applicable policies and procedures related to using university spaces and the Expressive Activities Policy. Protests and counter protests may not disrupt university operations such as roadways, classes, or events.