The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing an environment conducive to the free, spirited, and safe exchange of ideas.
The University recognizes the historic significance of speech and assembly in society generally and on college campuses in particular. Expressive activity can take innumerable forms and may include picketing activity, silent symbolic speech, or even writing an opinion piece published on social media. Consistent with the Constitution of the United States and the Oklahoma Constitution, the University recognizes the rights of students and faculty to engage in all forms of protected activity. These rights are codified in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code, which acknowledges the rights of students on all campuses to peaceably assemble, inform, or protest, and in the Board of Regents’ Policy 5.1.1.3, which adopts the principles of academic freedom for the faculty of the University of Oklahoma.
The right to freedom of speech and assembly are expansive but not unlimited. The University reserves the right to enforce reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on expressive activity as set forth in its policies governing facilities use. These policies are viewpoint- and content-neutral and are designed to limit disruption to the normal business, patient care, and academic operations on campus. All speakers, regardless of point of view, are prohibited from interfering with the campus community’s ability to move safely about campus and to conduct University business. The University also reserves the right to discipline or request that law enforcement remove any speaker unlawfully inciting violence against any person or group of people. Harassment, as defined in the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy, and Sexual Harassment, as defined in the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy, are not recognized as protected speech. In certain limited cases, speech that would otherwise be protected may also subject the speaker to discipline if it violates his or her duties as a student or employee of the University (e.g., dishonesty is prohibited conduct).
Expressive Activity Report
Student Rights & Responsibilities Code