Freedom of speech is central to our democracy, which is why the federal and state constitutions protect our rights to express our views, including viewpoints with which other people may disagree, free from most government intrusion.
On college and university campuses, the ability of students and faculty to engage in open discourse and peaceful protest enables students to hone critical thinking skills, while creating space for new ideas to emerge for debate and consideration.
Freedom of speech is essential when ideas and values clash because the alternatives – repression or violence – are unacceptable in our democracy.
This FAQ is intended primarily to address situations in which private parties engage in competing speech or expressive conduct that may make the opposing party feel vulnerable or chilled from speaking. It also highlights some limits to free speech, including the right of schools to impose reasonable time, place and manner regulations. (See full PDF below)
