Freedom of Speech and Expression

As a campus community, we are tasked with providing care and support for our community, while also respecting each person’s right to free expression. Faculty Affairs has developed a handout for faculty on freedom of speech and expression, which outlines related KU and KBOR policies.

Print & Share: Freedom of Speech and Expression Handout

Faculty Freedom of Speech & Expression: A Policy Reference for Faculty

Free Expression & Academic Freedom

The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) outlines principles of free expression and academic freedom for Kansas universities.

Public Assembly

KU allows Assemblies on campus for use by registered KU student organizations, registered campus organizations, and external groups, so long as the organization or group complies with the Public Assembly Registration Procedures.

Read the Policy on Public Assembly

Political Activity

KU Political Activity policy summarizes relevant laws and policies related to partisan political activity by employees and students and the use of facilities and other resources for such activities.

Read the Policy on Political Activity

Posting of Materials

KU has identified permissible materials and locations for posting items such as flyers, posters, handbills, and similar materials.

Postings that may be discriminatory in nature can be reported to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX as well as Facilities at this link. This form allows for anonymous reporting. If you choose to report, please include as much detail as possible about the location of the posting and why it could be discriminatory in nature to assist us in reviewing and possibly removing the posting.

Read the Policy on Posting of Materials and Sidewalk Chalking

Nondiscrimination

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities.

Resources

Faculty Rights & Responsibilities Related to Free Expression

Rights

Faculty members shall have the legal rights and privileges of citizens. Faculty members have the right to academic freedom and the right to freedom of inquiry, expression, and assembly.
Faculty members shall have the right to impartial application of unit/department, school, and University policies.
Faculty members, groups, and organizations may invite and hear any persons of their own choosing, subject only to the requirements for use of University facilities, the University policies on fundraising, political activity, and solicitation, the Board of Regents policies on political activity and solicitation, and other relevant policies.
Faculty members, groups, or organizations may distribute written or electronic material on campus without prior approval so long as the distribution is consistent with University and Board of Regents policy and state and federal law. The person or persons responsible for such material must be clearly indicated for the position.

Responsibilities

Be aware of federal and state law, Board of Regents, and University policies and regulations and comply with them.
Use technology in a responsible manner in accordance with guidelines and policies.
Respect the rights and academic freedom of students, staff, and faculty members.
Refrain from engaging in behavior in the discharge of duties that violates commonly accepted standards of professional ethics.
Refrain from committing an act that involves such moral turpitude (intentional conduct, prohibited by law, which is injurious to another person or to society and which constitutes a substantial deviation from the accepted standards of duty owed by a person to other persons and society) as to render the faculty member unfit for the position.

Show respect for those with differing views and allow others to express their views (as stated in the KU Code of Ethical Conduct).
Comply with the Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action policy, which prohibits discrimination and harassment against students, faculty, and staff based on their religion, national origin, race, sex, or other protected identity.

Consequences of Policy Non-Compliance

Faculty who fail to fulfill the responsibilities specified in Article IV of the faculty code of rights, responsibilities, and conduct may be subject to sanction.
Sanctions shall be commensurate with the severity of the offence and one or more sanctions may be imposed.