Freedom of expression at a public university
The First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and expression from government censorship. As a public university, CSUSB is committed to protecting lawful expression and the free exchange of ideas.
Students, faculty, staff, and members of the public may engage in a wide range of expressive activities, including:
- Speaking and sharing opinions
- Organizing or participating in demonstrations
- Distributing literature and materials
- Displaying signs and artwork
- Inviting speakers and hosting events
- Engaging in peaceful protest and counter-protest
- Expressing political, religious, social, or cultural viewpoints
The university does not determine whether speech is protected based on whether the university or members of the community agree with the message.
Expression may be controversial
Free expression includes ideas that may be unpopular, provocative, offensive, or uncomfortable. The appropriate response to ideas we oppose is generally more speech—through dialogue, criticism, protest, education, and the expression of alternative viewpoints.
Protecting expression does not mean that the university endorses a particular message
or viewpoint.
Freedom of expression has responsibilities
Expressive activity must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and university policies. Expression may not include conduct such as:
- True threats
- Violence or physical harm
- Property damage
- Unlawful harassment
- Blocking access to campus facilities
- Substantial disruption of university operations
- Conduct that violates other applicable university policies
Speech, harassment, and discrimination
Speech that is offensive or hateful may still be constitutionally protected. However, conduct that constitutes unlawful harassment, discrimination, a threat, or violence may violate university policy or the law.
CSUSB evaluates concerns based on the nature of the conduct and the applicable policy—not simply whether the message is offensive.
What if I disagree with a speaker or demonstration?
Members of the campus community may respond through:
- Counter-speech
- Peaceful protest
- Written expression
- Dialogue or facilitated discussion
- Educational programmin
- Reporting conduct that may violate policy or law
Disagreement alone is not a reason to silence another person’s lawful expression.
FAQ
Does CSUSB endorse every message expressed on campus?
No. Protecting free expression does not mean that the university endorses a particular message.
Can I protest a speaker or event?
Yes. Peaceful protest and counter-expression may be protected, provided they comply with applicable laws and university policies.
Can speech be offensive and still be protected?
Yes. Offensive or unpopular speech may be protected unless it crosses into unlawful conduct, such as a true threat, violence, or unlawful harassment.
Can the university regulate speech?
The university may establish reasonable, content- and viewpoint-neutral rules regarding the time, place, and manner of expressive activity.