Freedom of Speech Policy

Custodian of Policy: VP Finance & Administration

Relevant Minnesota State System Policy: United States Constitution – Amendment 1 https://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am1.html
Minnesota State Policy 3.1 Student Rights & Responsibilities https://www.minnstate.edu/board/policy/301.html

Effective Date: October 2016

Last Review: Fall 2023

Next Review: Fall 2030

Policy

Minnesota State University Moorhead directly follows the United States Constitution – Amendment 1 (below) and the Minnesota State Policy 3.1 Student Rights & Responsibilities found here: http://www.minnstate.edu/board/policy/301.html

United States Constitution – Amendment 1

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. https://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am1.html

Speech That Is Not Protected

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution does not protect conduct that threatens the health, safety or welfare of persons. Any speech that inflicts or threatens harm, causes a breach of the peace, incites an individual(s) to commit a crime or causes panic is not considered protected speech. While the interpretation of these factors may be subjective, the University must reasonably act in order to protect the members of the University community and any University property.