Free Speech on Campus
The university is committed to fostering an environment where the open exchange of ideas and information is valued, promoted and encouraged. The First Amendment is fundamental to ensuring civil debate and free expression, which are vital aspects of campus life.
Part of the long tradition of American higher education is the belief that free and open dialogue is a key ingredient to arriving at universal truths and common understanding. Because of this tradition, colleges and universities are on the forefront of not only scientific discovery, but also important societal change. The university’s Board of Trustees recently reaffirmed the campus’ commitment to free speech by unanimously adopting a resolution embracing the core principles articulated in the University of Chicago’s “Report on the Freedom of Expression." In addition, the university maintains a formal policy related to free expression on campus.
Using Your Voice
There are many ways to exercise free speech, and the university makes resources available to any student who wants to become more engaged in issues they care about.
USCA is home to a plethora of student organizations, including academic, social, political, religious and philanthropic organizations. To learn more about existing student organizations or to start your own group, visit the Student Organizations page.
The university is home to a wide variety of student-led campus events, including guest speakers, informational events and organized demonstrations.
- Groups and individuals not affiliated with the university must be sponsored by a university group or student group to reserve certain space on campus.
- A fee may be charged for the use of university spaces depending on the event’s requirements.
- University staff also can help answer questions about protests, including if you are planning to organize one or have concerns about an on-campus event hosted by a student group.
The university urges civil discussion and debate; however, we do not have a “speech code” that prohibits constitutionally protected speech, even when the speech does not conform to our deeply held community values. Still, free speech doesn't mean any speech is acceptable; there are some limits.
Freedom of speech does not give individuals permission to silence the speech of others by shouting, heckling or otherwise disrupting a speech to the point that the speaker cannot continue or that the audience can no longer listen.
- The free speech rights of a speaker would be infringed upon if members of an audience could silence anyone with whom they disagreed.
- Individuals who fail to comply with a campus official's request to cease disruptive activities may be subject to arrest or referral to the Office of the Dean of Students.
Time, place and manner restrictions are content-neutral limitations on how and where speech may be exercised.
- For example, disrupting classroom instruction or hosting a late-night demonstration next to a residence hall would not be permissible, no matter the reason.
- Nevertheless, the university strives for the fewest restrictions possible, within reason.
- Note: Since we are located within the City of Aiken, property adjacent to the university is subject to the time, place and manner regulations of the city, not the university.