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Dear Faculty RelationsÌý—ÌýFrom cancel culture to campus protests to the upcoming election, it feels like we are in a crucible for free speech rights. What constitutes free speech on campus and how can I make sure to respect those rights while taking care of myself and my students?Ìý—ÌýI Respect Free SpeechÌý

Dear Respecting Free SpeechÌý—

College is an opportunity for students to grow by reflecting on their thinking and exercising their ability to challenge ideas. Universities, including ours, have a long history serving as a forum where competing ideas and perspectives co-exist.Ìý

Freedom of speech is the right of a person to articulate opinions and ideas verbally or symbolically without threat or reprisal. As an educational institution, we have the power to constrain and even punish student speech in a wide variety of circumstances (e.g., in the classroom, online, and on- and off-campus) if that speech disrupts the academic environment. But achieving this without stifling discussion or privileging some voices over others is a tightrope walk.ÌýÌý

Students inevitably make mistakes, and some even take an adversarial approach to others’ viewpoints. But unless people’s words or actions target an individual or defined group of individuals based on a legally protected identity and create an intimidating or hostile environment that unreasonably disrupts learning, speech that is hurtful, biased, or offensive is generally protected by the First Amendment.ÌýÌýÌý

It’s our job to anticipate that boundaries will be tested and that mistakes will be made. We need to know how to respond effectively. We must also actively create and set norms and expectations to help others disagree without demeaning others and exercise self-awareness and humility. We must create a container that allows for real learning and growth.ÌýÌý

There are wonderful resources available to support this. CU has a Free Expression page with a set of common questions; the Center for Teaching and Learning offers an array of Teaching Resources; the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance provides a guide on Establishing Course Expectations and Managing Classroom Dynamics; and the Chronicle of Higher Education has a new report on Fostering Students’ Free Expression that’s focused on supporting and encouraging tough conversations.Ìý

Written by Teresa Wroe, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Prevention & Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Julie Volckens, Senior Director of Assessment and Prevention, Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.Ìý