Free Speech

Students actively participating in a protest

Freedom of Expression in the Community of Bears

“Free Speech is an essential part of our democracy. A part of university education is to wrestle with ideas and language that are different from our own, and ideally, engage in dialogue about that difference. The intersections of free speech, academic freedom, and inclusion are some of the most important topics for us to navigate as a community. Bears’ involvement in civic engagement and exercising freedom of expression supports their full participation in a democratic society.”

– Dr. Jenna Finley, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs

The University believes that its distinctive service to society can only be offered in a student-centered atmosphere of integrity that is grounded in honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.

For this reason, the University is committed to promoting an environment in which:

academic integrity is valued and expected;
excellence is sought and rewarded;
teaching and learning flourish;
diversity of thought and culture is respected;
intellectual freedom is preserved; and
equal opportunity is afforded

As a public institution, UNC recognizes and upholds the First Amendment rights granted to individuals and groups to engage in free speech and exercise their right to participate in freedom of expression activities on campus. Members of the UNC community should anticipate they will be exposed to beliefs and ideas differing from their own as part of the learning environment.

Students have the right to:

Be informed of academic/community standards, expectations, and requirements
Participate in free and open discussion, both in and outside the classroom, while also keeping in mind the communal impact of such discussions
Assemble and select speakers/guests to discuss topics of their choice with a forum and demeanor that provides educational opportunities for dialogue
Peacefully protest, assemble, rally, sit-in, and engage in demonstrations in diverse manners; collective action, symbolism and online demonstrations

Students stand on campus with signs during a protest

Regardless of position or platform, individuals and groups may engage in peaceful assembly on campus.

At such gatherings, UNC expects the rights of all persons to be respected and that there will be no endangerment to the health or safety of the community. Peaceful Assemblies should in no way disrupt the normal operations of University functions or endanger individuals or University property. UNC’s policies around Peaceful Assembly can be found in the Board Policy Manual (1-1-410).

Peaceful assembly includes:

Debates
Demonstrations
Marches
Meetings
Protests
Rallies
Sit-ins
Speeches
Vigils

Peaceful assembly should not:

Threaten or violate University policies
Interfere with University business, schedules, or events
Infringe the rights of others
Endanger the health/safety of others
Damage or destroy property

Planning Ahead

It is recommended that persons/organizations planning or initiating assemblies on campus identify their group affiliation and state their purposes to the appropriate personnel in advance for safety and security of all University community members.
Areas may be reserved through Conference & Event Services, if available, to accommodate the desired assembly.
The person/organization sponsoring a speaker or assembly is responsible for following all University policies, including those on peaceful assembly and student freedom of expression.

Students walk on the sidewalk on UNC's central campus.

Policies and Regulations

Want to learn more about freedom of expression in the university community?

Check out these Campus Speech Frequently Asked Questions from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

American Civil Liberties Union