Free speech is the right to express opinions and ideas without fear of government retaliation or censorship. It is a constitutional right protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

At universities, free speech is a cornerstone of academic freedom. It allows students, faculty, and staff to engage in open dialogue, challenge ideas, and foster an environment of learning and discovery. While you may not agree with every opinion, engaging in respectful discourse helps strengthen the community and promote critical thinking.

• Express Yourself: You have the right to express your opinions, beliefs, and ideas, even if they are controversial or unpopular.

• Right to Protest: Peaceful demonstrations, protests, and rallies are allowed on campus if they follow university guidelines.

• Respectful Dialogue: Engaging in civil discussions, even with those who disagree with you, is encouraged and helps promote mutual understanding.

• Among other rights, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of speech from most government restriction.

• Free speech can include both private and public speaking, demonstrations, rallies, vigils, marches, distribution of printed materials, carrying signs, displays, and circulating petitions.

• The First Amendment protects speech that some or even a majority of people find disagreeable, offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed.

• As expressed in the Campus Free Speech Protection Act, universities should not attempt to shield individuals from free speech, including ideas and opinions they oppose.

• Hate Speech Leading to Violence: Speech that incites immediate violence or creates a direct threat to safety is not protected.

• Harassment: Persistent and unwanted behavior that targets specific individuals and creates a hostile environment is not protected.

• Defamation: False statements that harm a person’s reputation can be subject to legal consequences.

The University of Memphis does not have permitting requirements for students to have spontaneous outdoor assemblies. However, the university tries to accommodate students’ planned activities and allows members of the University Community to reserve certain outdoor space in advance, consistent with University of Memphis Policy BF 2022. Additionally, the institution will utilize time, place, and manner restrictions to manage assemblies and limit disruptions to campus which are described in the next section.

While free speech is protected, universities may impose reasonable limits known as "time, place, and manner" restrictions to ensure that campus operations continue smoothly. These guidelines help balance free speech while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.

• Time: Demonstrations and speech activities should occur at designated times that do not disrupt classes, events, or other campus functions.

• Place: Certain areas of campus may be designated for free speech activities. Make sure you understand where demonstrations can take place.

• Manner: Your speech or demonstration must not incite violence, create safety hazards, or damage property. Respect for others' rights is essential.

• Individuals or groups not affiliated with University of Memphis can apply to conduct free speech activities on the Student Alumni Plaza at certain times during the semester. Application here: https://memphis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ahHqEr03cI0kjBj

• The university does not approve or endorse any group’s particular message. Regardless of any speaker’s content, the university asks students to respectfully allow the speakers to exercise their free speech rights in the same manner as they would like to have their own rights respected.

• Some students enjoy engaging with speakers, especially those the students believe are substantively wrong. Note, however, that if you find any speech not only wrong, but unkind or even hurtful, you may exercise your own free speech by disengaging or walking away. If you hear something that causes your personal dismay beyond disagreement or discomfort, please consider contacting the Counseling Center.