IN 001 - Freedom of Expression Policy

Seton Hill University is a site for the free expression of ideas by members of the campus community. The University fully embraces, supports, and defends academic freedom as a fundamental expression of its Catholic identity, mission and core values, and in accordance with the First Amendment right to free speech. This policy also affirms the University’s vigorous support of the exercise of free speech in a manner that protects the rights and safety of all members of the campus community.

Policy

Community Standards

The community standards to which we ascribe as members of the faculty, staff, and student body call upon us to promote academic freedom and free speech, and to do so in a manner that protects the rights and safety of all members of the campus community. As outlined in this policy, the University’s commitment to the free exchange of ideas includes the right to assemble, protest, and demonstrate in accordance with university policies designed to respect the rights, promote the dignity, and protect the safety of campus members and guests. In all events, the use of the University forum shall not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed.

Controversial Topics

1. The very concept of freedom assumes that people usually choose wisely from a range of available ideas and that the range and implications of ideas cannot be fully understood unless we hold vital our rights to know, to express, and to choose. The University must be a place where all ideas may be expressed freely and where no alternative is withheld from consideration. The only limits on these freedoms are those dictated by law and those necessary to protect the rights of other members of the University community and to ensure the normal functioning of the University. For example, this right does not extend to expression that is defamatory, indecent, grossly obscene or offensive, or discriminatory on matters inconsistent with accepted norms of conduct at the University, in accordance with the University’s Civil Rights Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Related Retaliation (Inst. - Administrative - Civil Rights Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Related Retaliation).

2. Nothing in this policy or related policies is meant to infringe upon Faculty members’ Academic Freedom (Faculty - Rights and Responsibilities - Academic Freedom). Per guidelines established by the American Association of University Professors, faculty may choose to restrict engagement in controversial topics during class time that are unrelated to course content.

3. Political speech is governed by the University’s Political Campaign Activity Policy (Inst. - Administrative - Political Campaign Activity Policy) which restricts the University or anyone acting on behalf of the University from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.

Guest Speakers

As part of the educational process, members of the campus community are encouraged to invite guest speakers to campus who have a demonstrated expertise in an area of interest to the University community or who might contribute to the intellectual or cultural life of the University. For more information, please see the Guest Speaker Policy (Inst. - Administrative - Guest Speaker Policy).

Protests and Demonstrations

All protests and demonstrations planned for University owned or leased property must be approved in accordance with the Protest and Demonstration Policy (Inst. - Administrative - Protest and Demonstration Policy).

Public Posting and Distribution of Materials

Students and employees must adhere to the University’s Posting and Distribution Policy (Inst. - Administrative - Posting and Distribution Policy).

Social Media

Every person has the right to have an opinion and to state it publicly. However, statements that are meant to represent the University may only be made by those who have express authorization to make such statements on behalf of Seton Hill. Members of the campus community must make clear in their public expressions, writings, or social media posts that they are speaking in an individual, personal capacity and sharing thoughts that do not necessarily represent the views of the University. For more information, please see the University’s Social Media Policy (Inst. - Administrative - Social Media Policy).

Questions and Interpretation

All questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Policy Administrator/Owner at policies@setonhill.edu.