{"id":232,"date":"2025-09-17T13:25:17","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T20:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spokane.wsu.edu\/campus-security\/?page_id=232"},"modified":"2025-09-22T10:14:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T17:14:16","slug":"free-speech-on-campus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/spokane.wsu.edu\/campus-security\/free-speech-on-campus\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Speech on Campus"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At Washington State University, freedom of speech and expression are essential to who we are. We aspire to be an affirming community that encourages respect and learning, where we can engage in diverse viewpoints. Throughout the academic year and beyond, students, faculty, and staff are likely to encounter those who share viewpoints different from their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This page provides high-level guidance for free speech activities at WSU Spokane. More information can be found on WSU\u2019s Freedom of Speech website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Speech Rights for Students and Employees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Student Speech at WSU Spokane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Students may engage in political and ideological speech, except when doing so results in disruption or obstruction to normal university operations or when the speech constitutes prohibited speech.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tLearn more about student speech\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Employee Speech and Workplace Expression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

WSU employees, like all citizens, are protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech. This protection extends to speech made by government employees in the workplace, including speech on matters of public concern. However, there are also reasonable restrictions and limitations on speech in the workplace that employees should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tLearn more about employee speech\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Campus Events and Free Speech Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consistent with the law, WSU may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on speech activities to ensure that speech rights are exercised in a manner that respects the rights of others, maintains the safety and order of our campus community, and keeps the university functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tLearn more about events and campus activities\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you have safety concerns about a speech event, don\u2019t hesitate to contact Campus Security at 509-358-7995<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student Group Free Speech Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Student groups interested in hosting free speech events or activities should contact the ELC Hub for planning assistance at spokane.elc@wsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Non-University Groups and Free Speech Rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In accordance with WAC 504-33-025<\/a>, non-university groups and individuals may use the university\u2019s limited public forum areas for those activities protected by the First Amendment. However, they may not use the interior of any university facility and must provide notice to WSU Spokane Campus Safety and Security and the Division of Student Affairs five business days prior to the intended use of the desired limited public forum area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Speech Resources and Policies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Campus Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n