If you have questions or concerns about freedom of expression on campus, you can contact the Office of General Counsel at 503.725.2656 or the Office of the Dean of Student Life at 503.725.4422 or email askdos@pdx.edu.
Student rights of freedom of expression are grounded in the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This right, specifically at a public institution, is the cornerstone of much of what we take for granted in academia—academic freedom, a market-place of ideas, critical dialogue, civic engagement, protest, and free speech. It was during the civil rights and anti-Vietnam war movements in the 1960-70s that hard fought Supreme Court rulings gave protections to student activists, student organizations, and academic freedom for faculty.
We find ourselves again in a moment in history in which there is rapid social change, social unrest, protest, and often uncomfortable dialogue regarding competing ideas. The role of the University in these times is to provide an environment of free, open inquiry, dialogue and learning. It will not always be comfortable. The more important the cause, the more disagreeable or offensive it may be to hear an opposing view. Although we encourage everyone to show civility and mutual respect, we also understand that may not always happen. A desire for respect and civility cannot be used as an argument to shut down speech someone disagrees with.
That said, free speech is not limitless. The University may restrict expression that violates the PSU’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment policy, the Student Code of Conduct, the law, falsely defames a specific individual, is a direct and genuine threat or harassment, or does not follow time, place, manner restrictions (such as holding an event in a space that is not reserved). These are narrow restrictions and cannot be used as blunt tools to shut down speech that someone opposes. It should also be noted that the University may regulate speech in the workplace, and employee speech is expected to be respectful and to not be discriminatorily harassing, in violation of PSU’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy or Professional Standards of Conduct Policy. This includes comments of a sexual nature or regarding any protected class. Any person who believes they are being discriminatorily harassed may file a complaint or contact the Office of Equity and Compliance at 503-725-5919 or by emailing oeac@pdx.edu.
If you come across speech on campus that you find offensive, wrong, or immoral, you also have the right to free speech. The first amendment protects the people from censorship by the government. As a state school, Portland State is the government and should not be deciding for you what you should or should not hear or say, but that does not prevent individuals or groups from using counter speech, assembling, or holding events.
For more information, visit PSU's Free Speech Guide.
Resources:
Bend, Don't Break, When Students Protest
Free Expression on Campus: A Survey of U.S. College Students and U.S. Adults
The Forgotten Origins of the Constitution on Campus
Restrictions on Political Campaigning for Public Employees
Bird, L. E., Mackin, M.B., & Schuster, S.K. (Eds.). (2006) The first amendment on campus: A handbook for college and university administrators. NASPA publication.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” - Amendment I, U.S. Constitution
“Universities must create inclusive learning environments and protect freedom of speech. To achieve both of these goals, campuses may do many things, but they must not treat the expression of ideas as a threat to the learning environment.” E. Chemerinsky and H. Gillman, Free Speech on Campus
